Riaz, who played a crucial role in drafting the proposed reforms, acknowledged the timeline is ambitious but said groundwork has already been laid through months of political consultations.
The referendum is on the July National Charter 2025, which is the culmination of the CRC’s work. The commission was formed by Yunus in 2025 after Hasina’s ousting, in efforts to amend the governance of the country.
The 180-day deadline to complete the reforms is aimed at articulating them in legal and constitutional language, he added.
“We don’t consider it as (a way) to implement any punitive measures, because that would create more confusion. That would create instability.”
On whether future governments would be legally bound to implement the reforms, Riaz pointed to a political commitment signed by parties on Oct 17 last year, which makes the reforms legally binding.
If voters reject the referendum, Riaz said the current constitutional framework would remain unchanged.
“I expect that that’s not going to happen. But evidently, if it is a no, that means the current constitution, the current system, remains, and it would be at the disposal of the majority party,” he noted.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangladesh-election-vote-referendum-constitutional-reforms-5922756
