“I have heard that this year we have to cast two votes—one for the parliamentary election and another for a referendum. Although the national election has generated a festive atmosphere, campaigning for the referendum is virtually nonexistent. Political divide over campaign responsibilityPolitical divisions over responsibility for referendum campaigning have become increasingly visible. In the port city of Chattogram, voters Zaynab Begum and Rafiqul Islam said they recognize parliamentary candidates but are unfamiliar with the referendum. Khulna regional election officer Faisal Kader issued a warning against promoting the national election under the guise of referendum campaigning.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 13, 2026 18:41 UTC