The interim government has defended its decision to campaign in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the July National Charter, despite criticism over the neutrality of a government that is also organising the vote.
Voting for the 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to take place on 12 February, the same day a nationwide referendum will be held on the implementation of the July National Charter. If the ‘No’ vote prevails, the government elected in the parliamentary polls will not be legally bound to implement the reform proposals outlined in the charter. A victory for the ‘Yes’ vote, however, would make the implementation of those reforms mandatory for the next government.
Amid this backdrop, questions have emerged over whether the interim government—acting as the organiser of the referendum—can legitimately campaign for one side.
The issue was raised during a press briefing held on Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, where a journalist asked the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam to explain the government’s stance on openly campaigning for a ‘Yes’ vote.
In response, Alam acknowledged that there may be disagreements over the matter but maintained that the government’s position is clear.
“Some may disagree with us on this, but we are stating it clearly—the government will call for a ‘Yes’ vote and will urge the people accordingly,” he said.
Alam confirmed that government-affiliated social media pages have already been promoting the ‘Yes’ vote, and that advisers of the interim administration are also speaking in favour of it. He argued that the rationale behind this approach lies in the nature of the current government itself.
“This is a reform-oriented government,” he said, adding that the administration has attempted to institutionalise reform proposals through the Consensus Commission. “What is now being put to a referendum is the outcome of that process.”
Framing the referendum as a choice between governance reform and a return to past political practices, Alam said the government is encouraging citizens to vote accordingly.
“We are telling the people—if you do not want misgovernance, if you do not want authoritarianism to return, then you must vote ‘Yes’,” he said. “Ultimately, the decision rests with the people. But we are doing what we believe is our responsibility.”
The government’s position has intensified debate over the limits of state neutrality during referendums, particularly in a politically sensitive transition period ahead of national elections.
