Bangladesh's February 12 Election: A Constitutional Revolution Under Yunus?

• Bangladesh faces a dual-ballot election on February 12, 2026, combining a national parliamentary election with a constitutional referendum on the July National Charter.
• The election, held under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, follows a student-led uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
• The July National Charter proposes sweeping reforms, including a strict two-term limit for the Prime Minister and a shift from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature.
• A 'Yes' vote in the referendum legally binds the incoming parliament to enact constitutional amendments within 180 days, aiming to prevent future regimes from consolidating absolute power.
• The Charter also seeks to institutionalize a permanent, non-partisan caretaker government mechanism to address the 'trust deficit' in Bangladeshi elections.