United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday (November 29) said the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the next general election in the second week of December. “Hopefully, what we expect is that it will be declared in the second week of December. When the schedule is announced, then you will know the dates (voting date, nomination deadline and the last date for withdrawal of candidacy),” he said, replying to a question from reporters. The CEC was talking to reporters after inspecting a mock voting exercise demonstrated at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Government Girls High School in the capital. The Election Commission conducted the mock voting exercise from 8am to 12pm for both the upcoming national election and referendum, which are likely to be held simultaneously on a single day in early February 2026. Read more: Everything will be fine before the voting day: CEC over law and order The CEC said the mock voting exercise was arranged to identify what is required to create an ideal environment for a fair, credible and participatory election as promised by the Commission. “The purpose of arranging it (the mock voting exercise) is to understand, through a practical demonstration, what kind of environment is needed inside a polling station to deliver a fair, acceptable and participatory election we have promised the nation. We wanted to observe everything—what the atmosphere should be like, how the queues of voters should form, how polling officers and presiding officers should sit and operate, how the overall management should function, and even what role you, the journalists, might play,” he said. Nasir Uddin said many people do not know about this type of exercise, especially new voters who will be voting for the first time. “Those who became voters in the last 15 years never saw a real voting process and have no practical experience. Through this exercise, new voters are gaining experience, while the Commission is getting a real-time assessment of the situation,” he said. About referendum on the July National Charter 2025, the CEC said an additional responsibility has now come as they would have to arrange the referendum together with the parliamentary elections. “If both are to be held simultaneously, time management becomes a major issue. Based on Saturday’s assessment (through mock voting exercise), the Commission would decide over the rise of (now 42,500 polling stations) polling centres of polling booths, manpower and other required arrangements. If required, he said, the number of polling stations or booths will be increased. “We will expand if needed. Our purpose is not to cause hardship to people,” he said. He said all preparations for the election are largely ready. “We want to inform everyone — we have the preparations. There will be no problem, Inshallah. Together, we will deliver what we promised the nation.” Read more: EC shares force deployment plan with law enforcers ahead of Bangladesh polls Noting the mock voting exercise is an experience, he said, adding, “Whatever gaps or shortcomings exist in our plan, we will meet up those based on today’s practical experience.” When asked about elderly voters who are unaware of the referendum, the CEC said it is natural that they do not know yet, as the campaign has not fully started. The government and the Election Commission will jointly carry out extensive awareness campaigns about the referendum. About the security, the CEC said the law and order situation in Bangladesh has never been perfect. Theft, mugging and violence always occur. So, these things are isolated incidents. “But the overall environment for polling must be ensured. Election Commissioners, the EC Secretary, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, among others, were present. The turnout of the voters was 70.40 percent as 352 out of 500 voters cast their votes in the mock voting exercise, said Presiding Officer (EC official) Jahangir Alam.   The current Election Commission, headed by AMM Nasir Uddin, was constituted just one year ago and had no experience of holding a single local body or parliamentary election. Besides, this commission will have to hold a referendum simultaneously with the national election, which came as an additional responsibility to the current commission amid the changed situation after the 2024 student-led mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The current Election Commission, headed by AMM Nasir Uddin, was constituted just one year ago and had no experience of holding a single local body or parliamentary election. Besides, this commission will have to hold a referendum simultaneously with the national election, which came as an additional responsibility to the current commission amid the changed situation after the 2024 student-led mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Read more: Don’t hire politically linked election observers: CEC Nasir

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday (November 24) said the government may need to revise the election budget as holding the national election and the referendum on the same day will inevitably raise costs particularly for security and manpower. “When we first received their proposal, the referendum was not in the plan. Naturally, holding both on the same day will involve additional expenses. You will need more manpower, more security, more logistics,” he told reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. Dr Salehuddin said that even after the announcement of the election schedule essential emergency spending can still be accommodated. “There is nothing for the Finance Ministry to worry about. If the Election Commission needs something urgently, that can be arranged,” he said. He also said expenses may rise due to the ongoing registration of Bangladeshi expatriate voters at embassies abroad. “Foreign missions are doing preparatory work. Officers are collecting information and overtime costs will be involved. The Foreign Ministry may request funds. We will provide support,” he said. Asked about the Chief Election Commissioner’s recent remark that holding a referendum alongside the national election would be a major challenge, Dr Salehuddin said the issue was outside his jurisdiction. He said both votes on the same day is more practical. “This is a government decision. Doing it on two separate days would require the entire mobilisation twice—returning officers, teachers, bank officials, everyone. It is not easy. Many countries hold referendums and national polls on the same day. Logistically, it is better,” he said. On the use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies during the polls, Dr Salehuddin said the government has already taken a policy decision and procurement will proceed through the respective security agencies. Read more: Bangladesh Election: Over 18,000 expatriates registered to vote               “The purchase committee has made a decision. We have instructed the relevant agencies to procure the equipment using their allocated budgets and in a transparent manner,” he said. He declined to reveal how many cameras might be bought. “It is not my responsibility to decide numbers. This falls under the Home Ministry and its agencies. The Election Commission will only identify sensitive locations. Police, BGB, RAB and other agencies will procure and use them. There is nothing to worry about,” he added. Dr Salehuddin also said the Finance Division recently scrapped a proposal to buy 100 replacement vehicles for the cabinet members of the next elected government.             “Sometimes wrong messages go out. The vehicles were replacement units, not extra ones. Still, we canceled the plan because it is not necessary now,” he said. He added that the Finance Division has already begun internal budget revisions. “We are reviewing the budget. All ministries have been given a deadline to submit their final estimates. In December we will revise the national budget, and by January we will keep the election budget ready for the next government. Everything remains open,” he said Election candidates must disclose domestic, foreign assets: ACC chairman

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said the Chief Adviser has violated the July National Charter through his outlines on the implementation of the charter in his speech to the nation. “The Chief Adviser himself signed the July Charter. In his speech, he violated the charter by including matters beyond the signed charter and adding new elements that were not mentioned in it,” he told UNB giving his initial reaction to Prof Yunus' address to the nation. “If we analyse his speech alongside the signed charter, we will see that he has grossly breached it.” the BNP leader added. Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council,” he said. Later, speaking to reporters at his Gulshan residence, Salahuddin said the interim government and the July National Consensus Commission have created the current political crisis by going beyond the signed July National Charter. He said the order issued by the government to implement the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) included ‘many new and personal ideas’ that were never part of the original signed charter. “We have already made it clear through our party’s press briefing that we will not agree to any matter imposed outside the signed July National Charter, and it will not be binding on the political parties that signed it,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that several issues have been forcefully added, and political parties were being asked to say ‘yes or no’ to matters not included in the signed charter. “Many of the provisions in the order issued today (Thursday) are new and reflect their (govt’s) personal preferences.” The BNP leader warned that such steps could lead to division instead of unity. “Some may be happy with this, but are we heading towards disunity in the nation? Are we creating divisions instead of harmony? Will the Chief Adviser take responsibility for that?” He said the party would review the Chief Adviser’s address to the nation in its forum and issue a formal reaction. Responding to a question about how the July Charter was violated, Salahuddin said the document was signed in a historic event witnessed by the entire nation. “The printed copies of the signed charter are available to all. Each section contains clear notes on proposals, consent, and notes of dissent from different parties.” “This was not a conventional note of dissent. It was specifically stated that if any party mentions its differing views in its election manifesto and wins the people’s mandate, it can implement those issues accordingly. Has that principle now been abandoned? If the Chief Adviser goes beyond his own signed document, it amounts to a breach of the charter,” he clarified. Referring to the proposed ‘Constitution Reform Council’, Salahuddin said the idea was never discussed or agreed upon in the National Consensus Commission. He questioned the intention behind including such new ideas in the order without the consensus of the political parties. The BNP leader said the Election Commission, under the Constitution, is responsible for conducting parliamentary and presidential elections. “The MPs elected through that process will take oath as members of parliament — not as members of any Constitution Reform Council… Setting a timeframe, forming a council, and proposing constitutional reforms within 180 days are new ideas. Do they have the authority to do that?” Salahuddin asked. He questioned whether dictating the next parliament through such orders has any legal basis. “Is this not interference in the sovereign authority of parliament?” In Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, there is only one sovereign body — the National Parliament — as per the Constitution. “No court can interfere in discussions or proceedings inside parliament. So imposing such obligations would amount to interfering in the sovereignty of parliament.” Salahuddin also said the idea of forming a constituent assembly or a reform council was contradictory. “If there had been any national consensus to form such a council, the Constitution would first need to be amended to empower the Election Commission for that purpose. Are we back in the pre-independence situation where we need a constituent assembly again? Bangladesh already has a Constitution. These ideas are conflicting.” Replying to a question, he said both the government and the National Consensus Commission were responsible for the ongoing crisis. “They formed reform commissions first, then a National Consensus Commission. After nine months of discussions, the National Charter was prepared and signed. Why are you going beyond it now?” The BNP leader said the crisis began when the consensus commission, chaired by the Chief Adviser himself, made recommendations to the government going beyond the signed charter. “He signed it as the Chief Adviser and then made recommendations to himself.” He reiterated that BNP wants only the signed July Charter to be implemented. “The charter was prepared and signed based on consensus, including the Chief Adviser’s signature. Let’s just implement that.”

The BNP Standing Committee is set to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday evening (November 13) following the Chief Adviser’s announcement that the next national election and a referendum will be held on the same day, along with the approval of the July National Charter implementation order. The meeting will begin at 7pm at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will join the meeting virtually and preside over it.Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that the national election and the referendum on the July Charter will take place on the same day. In a televised address to the nation, he said a meeting of the Council of Advisers had approved the July National Charter (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025. Referendum, national election together in Feb: Prof Yunus “To implement the July Charter, this order includes several important provisions. These include holding a referendum on the constitutional amendment proposals of the charter and, subsequently, the formation of a Constitution Reform Council.” A senior BNP leader said while their party welcomes the announcement of the election and the referendum on the same day, it has reservations about the implementation order and the nature of the referendum. He said the meeting of the BNP Standing, the highest policymaking body of the party, will discuss these issues in detail and decide the party’s next course of action. Read more: Chief Adviser breached signed July Charter, says Salahuddin

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (November 13) said that the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously in the first half of February next year. “The referendum will take place in the first half of February simultaneously with the general election. This will not in any way hinder the goals of reform; rather, it will make the election more festive and cost-effective,” he said in an address to the nation in the afternoon. “Appropriate law will be formulated in due time to facilitate the holding of the referendum. We are taking all-out preparations to hold the election in a festive atmosphere,” the Chief Adviser added. To implement the July Charter, the government has adopted several key provisions in the order, he said, adding, “These include holding a referendum on the charter’s proposed constitutional reforms and subsequently forming a Constitutional Reform Council.” Dr Yunus said the interim government, in a meeting of the Council of Advisers, approved the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025. “After the completion of necessary signings, it has reached the stage of issuing a gazette. It’s great news,” he added. CA Prof Yunus to address nation at 2:30 pm In line with the July Charter, the government has also finalised the question to be presented on the referendum ballot, Prof Yunus said. The question will be as follows: “Do you approve the July National Charter Constitutional Reform Implementation Order, 2025, and the following proposals regarding constitutional reforms as enlisted in the July National Charter?” a) During the election period, the caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies will be formed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the July Charter. b) The next parliament will be bicameral. Based on the proportion of votes received in the national election, a 100-member upper house will be formed, and any constitutional amendment will require the approval of the majority of the upper house members. c) The political parties that win the next election will be obligated to implement the 30 reform proposals agreed upon in the July National Charter, including increased female representation in parliament, election of the deputy speaker and parliamentary committee chairs from the opposition, limitation of the prime minister’s tenure, enhancement of presidential powers, expansion of fundamental rights, independence of the judiciary, and strengthening of local government. d) Other reforms outlined in the July Charter will be implemented as per the commitments of the political parties. “On the day of the referendum, you will express your opinion on these four issues by casting a single vote — either ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” said Prof Yunus. If a majority votes “yes,” a Constitutional Reform Council will be formed, comprising the representatives elected in the upcoming parliamentary election. These representatives will also serve as members of the national parliament. The council will complete the constitutional reform process within 180 working days from the date of its first session, he added. ICT sets Nov 17 to deliver verdict on Hasina case Within 30 working days after the reform is completed, an upper house will be constituted based on the proportion of votes received in the parliamentary election, and its term will continue until the final working day of the lower house, he said. In accordance with the pledge to implement the July Charter, provisions will be made to incorporate the July National Charter into the Constitution, he added. “This inclusion has also been specified in today’s approved order.”

Stating that there is no provision for a referendum in the Constitution, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday (8th November 2025) urged political parties to avoid heating up the streets over the issue in order to prevent political confrontation. “The current interim government has been formed under the existing Constitution and has taken oath in accordance with it. There is no provision for a referendum in this Constitution,” he said. Speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Jonotar Ishthehar (People’s Manifesto)’ at a city hotel, the BNP leader said if political parties want to introduce a referendum, they must first obtain a public mandate through the next election, place their proposals in Parliament, and only after those proposals are passed can a referendum be held. “We may have many desires and demands, but not all of them can be met by sitting in Dhaka and trying to reach consensus through the Consensus Commission. The only real solution is to go to the people and resolve these issues through their mandate,” he said. Khosru, a BNP Standing Committee member, said political parties should embrace the spirit of people’s mandate instead of imposing their ideas on others. BNP candidate Ershad Ullah airlifted to Dhaka for treatment “Everyone has the right to protest. But the people of Bangladesh no longer want confrontational politics. They want stability. Even when there is disagreement, people want to show respect for others’ views. That culture must take root among us,” he said. The BNP leader urged parties not to rush to the streets over the referendum issue, warning that such moves could spark violence. “You can’t keep going out into the streets over every issue. If one group stages a protest and another group then also takes to the streets in response, what will happen? There will be clashes. If the largest party mobilises on the streets and another large group protests against them, we will see violent confrontation,” he said. Khosru said the people of Bangladesh did not remove autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina only to drag the country back into confrontational politics. “We must be extremely careful. There are those who may try to link such actions to attempts to disrupt or delay the election.” Fakhrul slams govt for creating situation to derail polls Khosru said BNP initially announced a 27-point state reform proposal, which was later expanded to 31 points through consultations with 42 parties and people from all walks of life. He said, “After publishing it, we sought public feedback nationwide and online, inviting suggestions to refine it further. People’s input is essential. Each party has its own philosophy and ideas, but no one should try to impose their views outside the agreed consensus.” After long discussions under the Consensus Commission, political parties reached an agreement and signed a joint charter, he said, adding, “That consensus must be respected during implementation. No one can enforce their own version unilaterally.” Khosru observed that after 15–17 years of Sheikh Hasina’s rule, an authoritarian mindset has developed, with some politicians believing only their opinions matter. “But democratic politics requires respect for differing views.” He warned that attempts to bypass consensus or impose unilateral decisions could undermine democracy. “There is no scope to go beyond the consensus reached among political parties. If anyone wants to move beyond that, they should go to the people in the next election with their manifesto.” Desperation to hold referendum before election raises public suspicion: Khosru Referring to the recent killing in Chattogram, Khosru said it appeared to stem from internal feuds within a student organisation but suspected that those trying to delay or obstruct the upcoming election might be involved. On BNP’s election preparations, he said the party’s forthcoming manifesto would focus on job creation, rural economic growth, education, healthcare, and investment reform. “BNP has a clear plan to create 10 million jobs within 18 months. We have identified exactly where and how those jobs will be created,” he said, adding that the plan prioritises agriculture, manufacturing and services. Khosru also pledged to invest up to 5% of GDP in education and healthcare, focusing on skills development and technology-based employment for the youth. “We will not pursue mega projects by printing money or taking excessive loans. Our investment will focus on job creation and sustainable growth,” he said. Read more: BNP’s Mosharraf calls on people to unite for fair Feb election

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday (7th November 2025) accused the interim government of creating a situation over the implementation of the July National Charter with the intention of delaying the national election. Speaking before inaugurating the party’s rally marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day, Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh will not accept anything other than holding the national election and the referendum on the July Charter on the same day in February next year. “It is unfortunate that the interim government, which we fully supported, is now itself creating a situation so that the election may be disrupted,” Fakhrul said. He alleged that some political parties pushing for a separate referendum are also conspiring to foil the national election. Read more: Five BNP men wounded in Raozan gun attack “If there is a referendum, it must be held on the same day as the election, and that election must take place in February 2026. Otherwise, the people of Bangladesh will not accept anything else,” the BNP leader warned. Fakhrul said the BNP also extended full support to the interim government when it started working on reforms and preparing the National Charter. “For almost a year, they worked on drafting the Charter. On October 17, in front of the Parliament, all political parties signed the document based on consensus reached through the National Consensus Commission,” he said. The BNP leader, however, alleged that later, Consensus Commission Vice Chair Dr Ali Riaz, along with the Chief Adviser, came up with new proposals and recommendations that excluded several agreed points from the signed Charter. He said it was unanimously agreed that if any party had objections, those objections or notes of dissent would be recorded in the final document. “But that was not done. We did not accept it and made our position clear in a press conference.” Fakhrul said an adviser, at a recent press conference, stated that the advisory council had decided to give the political parties seven days to discuss among themselves and take a final decision on the implementation of the July Charter. “Then what was the point of holding seven months of meetings under the National Consensus Commission, discussing every reform proposal and reaching an agreement to sign the National Charter? How could that happen? You spent so much money on this process, yet it brought no solution for the political parties.” Read more: Prof Yunus orders security forces to hunt down attackers behind Ctg violence Fakhrul also criticised Jamaat and some other political parties for putting pressure to hold the referendum before the election. “Why should there be a referendum before the election? We have agreed to the referendum, but it must be held on the same day as the election. Holding two separate votes will cost a lot of money and disrupt the main national election,” he said. Fakhrul said the spirit of November 7 is the spirit of democracy. “Our party, the BNP, was born through reform. Our leader, President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, initiated that reform.” He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has given the nation a new Magna Carta through his 31-point reform outline. “We will move forward with that goal. We will take part in the upcoming election and, Insha’Allah, by winning it, we will build a new Bangladesh.” BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas also spoke at the event, accusing Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of conspiring against the country’s independence and sovereignty. He urged Jamaat to stop all conspiracies to delay the election and the restoration of democracy. “Otherwise, BNP leaders and activists will resist them on the streets,” Abbas warned. Later, thousands of leaders and workers of BNP’s Dhaka South and North units took out a massive rally in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, commemorating the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975. The rally, which began around 4pm, ended at the Sonargaon Hotel intersection after parading through Shantinagar, Malibagh, Mouchak, Moghbazar and Bangla Motor. Carrying portraits and posters of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, participants waved the party’s flags and the ‘sheaf of paddy’, its election symbol. Read more: BNP’s Mosharraf calls on people to unite for fair Feb election

Police obstructed a Jamuna-bound procession brought out by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh and seven other like-minded parties at Matsya Bhaban intersection on Thursday (6th November 2025) noon. The procession was organised to press home their several demands, including holding a national referendum in November. Later, police allowed a delegation from the rally to go to Jamuna. The delegation is supposed to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser on the referendum and four other points.   Earlier, leaders and activists of the parities brought out a procession from the capital’s Paltan intersection to submit a memorandum to the Chief Adviser at his Jamuna residence. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad The march, led by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, began gathering at Paltan intersection around 10:30am, with leaders and activists from different thanas and wards of Dhaka South carrying banners and festoons. Activists from other Islamic parties also joined the assembly at Paltan. Their demands are holding the referendum within this month, stopping political harassment and arrests during the interim government period, ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties in the upcoming election, and guaranteeing freedom of religion and unhindered political activities. Following the rally, the procession started towards Jamuna around 12 noon to submit the memorandum to the Chief Adviser. Read more: Jamaat not to form any election alliance: Ameer Shafiqur Meanwhile, additional police were deployed in Paltan area to avert any untoward situation.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Thursday voiced disappointment over the widening rift among political parties regarding the proposed national referendum, terming the lack of consensus after prolonged dialogue ‘deeply frustrating’. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the city, Asif Nazrul said the issue of escalating tensions and disagreements among political parties was discussed at the Council of Advisers meeting. “The Consensus Commission has proposed two options-- one is to implement the July Charter first and then hold the referendum, if not done within 270 days the constitutional amendment would take effect automatically. Another is to leave the matter to the elected parliament. Parties remain sharply divided over which of the two options they find more acceptable. Disagreements over the timing of the referendum have reached their peak,” he said. The adviser warned that any attempt by a political party to impose its own position on the government would contradict the spirit of July. Fakhrul slams ‘one-sided’ July Charter recommendations “If any political party tries to unilaterally impose its decision on the government, where does that leave the spirit of July? Whatever anyone says, the election will be held in the first half of February. But ensuring a proper electoral environment is not only the government’s responsibility — the parties share that responsibility, too,” he added. Asked who will make the final decision on the timing of the referendum, Asif said the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will make the ultimate call, with advisers serving as his associates in the process. “This decision will be taken by the Chief Adviser himself. He will consult us if necessary, and once a decision is made, we will stand firmly by it. The decision will come very soon,” he said. Responding to questions about political ultimatum, Asif said, “If any party sets a deadline or attempts to enforce its stance that only shows there is no consensus among them. It also means they want the government to uphold their partisan position.” Memo to CEC: Jamaat among 8 parties demand referendum in Nov “They have been given enough time for discussions. The disunity they are showing now — they should reflect on where that leaves the spirit of July,” he added with visible frustration. Asif also discussed the timeframe for implementing the July Charter, noting that the feasibility of automatic implementation within the stipulated 270 days is being reviewed. He said the Council of Advisers held preliminary discussions on issuing an order to implement the July Charter and that a decision on the matter will be made soon.

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Monday said the agreed reform proposals should be implemented through a referendum under the current interim government to sustain and validate the reforms. “In order to make these things sustainable or to avoid any legal crisis in the future, we have called for the entire reform process to be finalised through a referendum,” he told reporters after his party’s talks with the National Consensus Commission. A Gono Odhikar Parishad delegation, led by Nur, joined the discussion that began at 10:15am with National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Nur said they want the next general election to be held under a new system and the current government. “So, we want the reforms to be implemented under this government,” he added. In reply to a question, he said if a plebiscite is required to legally validate the reforms, the referendum must be conducted under the current government. “In that case, there is no scope to hold a referendum along with the national election,” Nur added. Reforms agreed through dialogue must be implemented by current govt: Nur “If there is a process to accept the reforms or a referendum to give them legal validity, it should be done now. There is no scope to hold a referendum simultaneously with the national election,” he said. During his opening speech at the dialogue, Nur also said the reform proposals finalised through dialogue must be implemented by the current interim government, no matter what. “At any cost, the reforms agreed upon through discussions must be implemented under this government,” he said. He said all parties must remain committed and strongly pursue the implementation of effective reforms in the greater interest of the country and the people. “In the case of reforms, national interest and the country should be given priority over personal benefits or the interests of any party or group. This is our appeal to the commission,” he added. Gono Odhikar backs bicameral parliament with 4-year tenure, 2-term limit for PM: Nur told reporters that his party supported the proposed bicameral parliament with a four-year tenure, a two-term limit for the Prime Minister, changes to Article 70 of the Constitution, and the formation of a National Constitutional Council (NCC). He said a person should not be allowed to serve as Prime Minister for more than two terms, whether consecutively or over a lifetime. Regarding Article 70 of the Constitution, which bars an MP from voting against their party in Parliament, he said they supported the proposal to lift this bar—except in cases involving constitutional amendments, the finance bill, and votes of confidence. On the formation of the NCC, he said the Bengali name should be ‘Jatiya Sangbidhanik Parishad’, replacing the word ‘Council’ with ‘Parishad’. He also said they proposed replacing the word ‘pluralism’ with ‘religious harmony’ in the main principles of the Constitution. Nur said they recommended that the tenure of the caretaker or election-time government could be four months. Regarding local government bodies, he said they supported the proposal to establish a permanent and independent local government commission. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Gono Odhikar Parishad earlier agreed with 127 of the 166 proposals made by the Commission, partially agreed with 23, and disagreed with 15. Fascism may return if polls held without reforms: JSD He said the party changed its opinions and agreed with eight more proposals. “So, we now agreed with a total of 135 proposals,” he said. About the registration of a new political party, Nur said they suggested no party should be registered unless it doesn’t have active activities for a minimum of three to four years. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. With Gono Odhikar Parishad, the Consensus Commission held discussions with 20 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.