Bangladesh: Yunus's Referendum Aims to Legitimize Hasina's Ouster

• Bangladesh's interim government will hold general elections and a referendum on the 'July Charter' on February 12, 2026.
• The 'July Charter' proposes major constitutional changes, including a two-house parliament, PM term limits, and increased presidential powers.
• The referendum is controversial as voters face a single 'yes' or 'no' option for four distinct reforms, causing public confusion.
• Critics argue the public lacks awareness of the 'July Charter's' details and the combined vote format is flawed.
• Sheikh Hasina's Awami League rejects the election schedule as "illegal" and alleges a political vendetta by the Yunus government.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh's referendum could legitimize a coup and fundamentally change its governance.