Dr Sheik Moinuddin Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) – Vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum scheduled to be held on February 12 will gradually increase women’s representation in Jatiya Sangsad, said Dr Sheik Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.

Dr Moinuddin said the key to both the referendum and the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election is now in the hands of the people. “If the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, significant changes will be brought to the country’s governance system,” he said while talking to BSS.

Citing an example, he said that the caretaker government system, the Election Commission, and the Public Service Commission (PSC) will be formed through joint efforts of the ruling party and the opposition.

He further said that ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum would prevent the ruling party from unilaterally amending the Constitution. “Any major constitutional change will require a mandatory referendum,” he added.

The Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant said that the Deputy Speaker and the chairpersons of important parliamentary standing committees would be elected from the opposition. A Prime Minister would not be able to remain in office for more than a maximum of 10 years.

He said that if the ‘Yes’ vote became victorious, then women’s representation in Parliament will increase, and an upper house will be formed in Jatiya Sangsad to ensure a balance of power.

The Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser also said that if the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, then people’s fundamental rights would be ensured, for instance, internet services would never be shut down; instead, their speed would be increased. 

“The country’s judiciary will function independently. A balance will be maintained between the powers of the President and the Prime Minister, and the President won’t be able to pardon convicted criminals at will.”

Dr Moinuddin said that while the dignity of Bangla as the state language would be upheld, the languages of other ethnic communities would also be given constitutional recognition. “These benefits will be achieved through ‘Yes’ vote, but a ‘No’ vote would bring no change.”

He reminded the people that the key to the country’s future is now in their hands.