The Election Commission (EC) has issued a clear directive stating that no government official or person employed in the service of the republic may urge citizens to vote either “yes” or “no” in the controversial referendum slated for February 12.
The EC emphasised that officials are permitted only to inform citizens about the referendum process and raise general awareness about its conduct, but they must remain strictly neutral on the outcome.
The circular, sent out on Thursday evening, comes in the wake of massive public and political criticism directed at the Yunus-led interim regime for allegedly using state machinery and officials to campaign in favour of a “yes” vote on the four referendum questions. Critics, including opposition voices and senior journalists, have accused the administration of violating neutrality norms and misusing public resources to influence the vote.
Referendum: How Yunus-Ali Riaz clique is putting public servants in danger
Yunusโ Referendum Farce: A naked betrayal of the constitution and democracy
Yunusโ referendum is an ominous sign for Bangladesh, warns Masuda Bhatti
Many legal experts and constitutional scholars have already described the planned referendum as illegal and contrary to the Constitution of Bangladesh. They argue that holding a nationwide referendum on fundamental constitutional matters without proper parliamentary process or amendment procedures contravenes core constitutional provisions, including the supremacy of Parliament and the separation of powers.
If โyesโ wins, the interim government will be able to cling to power until the next parliament passes the so-called July National Charter, which will eventually nullify the existing Constitution. Moreover, many provisions of the charter were incorporated in line with suggestions of the US and Pakistani elements within the Jamaat-controlled interim government, led by Westโs puppet Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Referring to Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, the EC’s letter explicitly clarified that while officials may educate the public about the referendum, any attempt to campaign for or against any side “could affect the results and would constitute a punishable offense” under the relevant laws.
How Yunus regime is coercing all to back โYesโ vote in unconstitutional referendum
Betraying Democracy: Yunus-Jamaat cliqueโs shameful push for rigged referendum
Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus for holding farcical polls, repression on party members
Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar stated: “According to the Referendum Ordinance, government officials cannot campaign for either ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ If they do, it will be a punishable offense.”
The February 12 referendum is set to pose four questions to voters, though details of the exact wording and implications remain a point of intense debate. The EC’s move to reiterate neutrality is seen by observers as a direct response to growing allegations that pro-government elements within the administration were actively promoting a “yes” outcome through official channels, speeches, and awareness campaigns.
The timing of the circularโfollowing days of mounting backlashโhas raised questions about whether the interim government had initially turned a blind eye to such activities before public pressure forced the EC’s hand.
English 
Bengali