Last Updated on February 17, 2026 6:56 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
A writ petition has been filed with the Bangladesh High Court challenging the legality of the referendum conducted alongside the 13th national election on February 12. The petition seeks annulment of the results announced on February 13. Filed in the public interest by Supreme Court lawyer ABM Ataul Majid Touhid, the petition names the Chief Election Commissioner, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Law Secretary as respondents. Speaking to reporters, Ataul said the case could be heard next week by a bench led by Justice Fatema Najib.
According to Election Commission figures and a government gazette, 4,82,00,660 votes were cast in favour of the constitutional reform proposals, while 2,20,71,726 votes opposed them. Out of 7,76,95,023 voters who participated, 7,02,72,386 votes were declared valid, and 74,22,637 were rejected.
The referendum was held to approve the implementation of the July National Charter on constitutional reform. Under the charter, elected MPs are expected to serve on the Constitution Reform Council and implement reforms within 180 working days of the first parliamentary sitting.