NewKerala.com

Bangladesh Referendum: 68% Vote 'Yes' as BNP Claims Election Victory

Around 68% of participants voted 'yes' in Bangladesh's July Charter referendum, held alongside the parliamentary elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance claimed a decisive victory, winning 210 seats and setting the stage for Tarique Rahman to become Prime Minister. The Awami League party had previously condemned the referendum, calling it a "farce" engineered by an "illegal" interim government. The political landscape saw a major shift, particularly in the Chittagong and Hill Tracts regions.

Key Points: Bangladesh Referendum Results: 68% Vote Yes, BNP Wins Polls

  • 68% voted 'yes' in charter referendum
  • BNP alliance wins 210 parliamentary seats
  • Awami League calls referendum a "farce"
  • Tarique Rahman set to become Prime Minister
2 min read

Bangladesh: Around 68 per cent pressed 'yes' in favour of July Charter Referendum, confirms EC

Bangladesh's July Charter referendum sees 68% 'yes' vote as BNP claims victory in parliamentary elections, marking a major political shift.

"a 'farce' engineered by the Yunus government - Awami League"

Dhaka, Feb 13

Around 68 per cent of people pressed the 'yes' option as Bangladesh held the July Charter referendum alongside the 13th Parliamentary elections, local media reported on Friday citing an Election Commission official.

EC Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed was quoted as saying that 4,80,74,429 people voted for 'yes' in the referendum while 2,25,65,627 people pressed the 'no' button.

Announcing the unofficial results of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the nationwide referendum during a press briefing at the Bangladesh Election Commission in Dhaka, Ahmed said that the voter turnout in the parliamentary election stood at 59.44 per cent, while participation in the referendum reached 60.26 per cent.

Last month, the Awami League party had accused the decision of holding the referendum by an "illegal" interim government led by Muhammad Yunus as not merely a gross violation of constitutional norms but a calculated effort to mislead people.

The referendum alongside the general elections in Bangladesh, the party said, is a "farce" engineered by the Yunus government and will remain a "black stain" on the country's constitutional history.

It also alleged that an "illegal government" with no popular mandate is attempting to decide the nation's future while keeping its people in the dark.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its alliance claimed a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, local media reported on Friday, citing unofficial results.

The results showed that the BNP-led alliance has triumphed on 210 seats, setting the stage for the formation of a new government led by party chairman Tarique Rahman who is set to become Bangladesh's first male Prime Minister in almost 35 years.

Tarique is the son of late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who governed Bangladesh during two separate tenures from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 to 2006.

Following Khaleda Zia's death in December last year, Tarique assumed leadership of the BNP and is now set to lead the nation.

Meanwhile, the political landscape of Chittagong and the Hill Tracts witnessed a major shift in the 13th National Parliament elections, with BNP securing 21 out of a total of 23 parliamentary seats in Chittagong district, Cox's Bazar and the three Hill Tracts districts and Jamaat-e-Islami securing just two seats.

According to the local media, a majority of 'no' votes were cast in the referendum in all three districts.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The Awami League's allegations are serious. If the interim government was indeed "illegal," it casts a shadow over the entire process. Democracy needs transparency, not rushed referendums held alongside elections. Hope the people's true will is respected.
A
Aman W
Interesting to see the BNP's big comeback! Tarique Rahman becoming PM after his mother's passing is a significant shift. The Hill Tracts results are particularly noteworthy. Hope the new government focuses on development and good relations with India 🤝.
S
Sarah B
The voter turnout figures are telling. Around 60% participation means a significant portion chose not to engage. When major parties call something a "farce," it creates doubt. The international community should watch closely.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, our primary concern is a stable and friendly government in Dhaka. The BNP has had a mixed history with India. Let's hope this new chapter strengthens ties, especially on trade and security. The 'yes' vote for the charter suggests people want change.
K
Kriti O
The report says most 'no' votes came from the Hill Tracts districts. That's a clear signal of regional discontent. Any new government must address the concerns of all regions, not just the majority. Inclusive growth is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50