Days ahead of the general election and popular referendum of February 12, candidates and experts questioned the wisdom of holding the referendum that aims to curtail power of the Prime Minister’s post. They said there is very little understanding among the public about the idea and aims of the referendum and that there are chances that the outcomes of the two processes may lead to ‘tension’ that may prolong political instability in the country.
The referendum is aimed at implementing the recommendations made by July Charter, a document created by the National Consensus Commission that was formed for constitutional reform after the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina regime. Among its several recommendations, the July Charter seeks to enhance power of the President of Bangladesh which is largely a ceremonial position at the moment. It also recommends to remove the term ‘Bengalee’ from Article 6(2) of the present constitution and replace it with ‘Bangladeshi’.
Bangladesh to hold referendum on reform charter proposals: Muhammad Yunus
That apart, much of the focus of the Charter is aimed at curtailing power of the Prime Minister with the aim to ensure that no future Prime Minister would be able to abuse authority. These provisions have already given rise to concern among the candidates who are campaigning for the February 12 polling.
