For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has called for trust in the people if the proposed referendum on implementing the July Charter does not yield a positive result.
On Tuesday, he explained that a failed referendum simply reflects that the public has rejected it, reports bdnews24.com.
Riaz referred to Latin American examples, noting that Chile experienced two failed referendums on constitutional reform. In the first attempt, a constitution was drafted and put to vote, which was rejected. The proposal was later revised and presented again, but failed a second time.
He stressed that if the public does not approve, it means the reforms are not accepted, underlining the importance of trusting the people’s judgment.
He noted that everyone may have their own perspective, adding that some may choose not to vote while others may vote differently.
“It is better not to overthink what would happen if someone votes differently,” he said.
The Consensus Commission on Tuesday formally recommended holding a referendum on the July Charter either on the day of the parliamentary polls or before it, through a constitutional order for its implementation.
The recommendation was submitted to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
Following this, Riaz briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy, outlining key aspects of the proposed implementation.
He clarified that all 48 constitutional amendment proposals will be presented as a single package in the referendum.
The vice-chairman explained that while most referendums feature one or two questions, some countries, such as Iceland, have seen up to six questions.
The commission recommends a single package question: whether voters support the implementation order and its annex containing the constitutional reform proposals.
On concerns about differing opinions within the package, Riaz noted that such issues are common in referendums.
He cited the 2016 Turkish referendum, which included one question covering 21 subjects and passed narrowly with just 51 percent.
Riaz said Bangladesh is not the first country to attempt a referendum capturing multiple reforms under a single question.
While some may worry that voters will not understand the proposals, Riaz stressed confidence in the Bangladeshi public.
He pointed out that Bangladeshis have historically made decisive choices through movements such as the Liberation War and the 1990 mass uprising, resisting authoritarian rule and participating effectively whenever electoral opportunities arose.
Addressing doubts about people’s understanding, Riaz said: “When someone tells me the people will not understand, I feel very uncomfortable.”
He added, “The government has a responsibility to explain clearly. It must ensure the referendum questions reach every doorstep in a timely and accessible manner.
“[On Tuesday], we submitted our recommendations to the government and made this very clear.”