A heated debate has emerged surrounding the upcoming referendum on February 12, with constitutional expert Dr. Shahdeen Malik labeling it as “the most ridiculous referendum in world history.”
The criticism, voiced during a panel discussion, has drawn a sharp response from the press wing of Muhammad Yunus’ administration, which accused Malik of spreading misleading information. Activist Saifur Rahman Mishu has since countered these claims, alleging deliberate misinformation by the government to vilify Malik.
The incident highlights growing tensions over the referendum’s format and broader political and economic concerns.
Malik’s Scathing Critique
During a joint event organised by The Millennium University and the Khan Foundation at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka, Dr. Shahdeen Malik, a renowned constitutional expert, delivered pointed remarks on the referendum. He argued that while it is being presented as a national parliamentary election, it resembles a local government poll in substance.
“Clearly, this is a local government election, absolutely a local government election. Where is the national parliament election? I don’t see it,” Malik stated.
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He further described the process as absurd, noting that referendums typically involve one or two questions, not 48 constitutional provisions bundled into a single yes-or-no vote. “This is the most absurd referendum in the world,” he emphasised.
The discussion, moderated by Advocate Roksana Khandaker, also featured former BBC Bangla head Sabir Mostafa, who warned against attempts to sideline major political parties like the Awami League. “If this government thinks it can blow away a big party like the Awami League with the wind, it’s making a big mistake,” Mostafa said.
He added that even if voting and counting proceed fairly, the outcome would remain unsatisfactory, leaving unresolved issues for future governments. Mostafa referenced a similar error by Sheikh Hasina in 2020, cautioning against executive orders that dissolve established parties.
Oxford University fellow Dr. Mahrin Khan presented the keynote on upcoming elections, politics, and the economy, highlighting darkening economic clouds. She pointed to challenges in key sectors like garment exports and remittance inflows, urging consideration of their negative aspects amid ongoing crises. “When I can’t increase investment, how will foreigners invest here?” Khan questioned, noting the impact on businesses struggling to operate industries.
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The event’s atmosphere was underscored by fears of censorship, with one participant noting, “I didn’t know what could be written or not; writing feels scaryโthis is what I hear in TV campaigns.”
Press Wing Fires Back
In response, the Chief Advisor’s press wing, via its X account @presswingfacts, posted a rebuttal claiming Malik’s statements were misleading. The post argued that there is no international rule limiting referendums to one or two questions, citing examples of multi-article referendums:
– Chile’s 2022 referendum on 388 constitutional articles.
– Italy’s 2016 referendum involving 47 articles.
– Iceland’s 2012 referendum examining 114 articles.
The press wing asserted that presenting complex reforms through a single referendum question is not unusual globally and labelled claims otherwise as inconsistent with international practice. They linked to Malik’s original remarks on YouTube and sources like ElectionGuide.org, Time.com, and LSE Blogs for the examples.
A screenshot from Channel i’s fact-check graphic, stamped “MISLEADING,” circulated online, featuring Malik’s image and Bengali text reiterating the government’s position that his claims about referendum formats lack precedent.
Activist Exposes Deception
Expatriate Bangladeshi activist Saifur Rahman Mishu quickly dissected the press wing’s post in a detailed analysis, accusing it of treachery and misinformation under the Yunus regime. Mishu argued that the government’s examples were selectively presented to obscure the truth.
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On Iceland’s 2012 referendum, Mishu clarified that it involved six separate questions, each with individual yes-or-no options, allowing voters to choose selectivelyโunlike Bangladesh’s all-or-nothing approach. “The press wing has hidden the truth, which amounts to deceiving the public,” he stated.
Regarding Chile and Italy, Mishu acknowledged the single-vote format for multiple articles but noted that both referendums were rejected by voters, who refused the “package deal.”
“Citizens in both countries voted ‘No’ because they wouldn’t accept imposition on their choices,” he explained, calling the examples a “boomerang argument” against the government.
Mishu criticised the broader trend of partial truths from state platforms, warning that it manipulates public perception. “When fact-checking from a state level distorts information, it’s a matter of concern,” he said. He reaffirmed Malik’s observation that a single answer for multiple issues fails to reflect true public opinion, urging verification through facts and logic rather than ego or blind loyalty.
This exchange occurs against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, as highlighted in the panel. Darkening shadows over the economy, including stalled investments and vulnerabilities in export and remittance sectors, add to the referendum’s stakes. Critics argue the process could exacerbate divisions, while the government defends it as a necessary step for constitutional reform.
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