A ‘Yes’ Vote In Referendum Is Essential to Prevent Internet Shutdowns
As political parties across Bangladesh intensify preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, far less attention is being paid to the referendum set to be held on the same day on post–July uprising state reforms.
Discussions on social media by some political figures have failed to rise above partisan narratives, leaving the fourth national referendum confined within political lines. As a result, broader issues of reform and citizens’ rights have been overshadowed by a narrow four-point discourse. Many citizens remain unaware that the referendum actually contains 11 reform proposals, seven of which require a majority vote.
Confusion has also surfaced online. Social media discussions reveal hesitation and misinformation, while even searches on Google or AI platforms often highlight only four reform proposals, omitting the full 11-point agenda.
Ironically, one of the most significant reform proposals—preventing any future government from imposing internet blackouts—remains largely unknown to the public. This lack of awareness extends even to internet professionals and e-commerce entrepreneurs, many of whom have expressed mixed reactions to the referendum.
An e-commerce sector leader, when asked about the issue, said opinions vary widely. “Some proposals I agree with, some I don’t. It feels like politics has entered the referendum. So I might vote both ‘yes’ and ‘no’,” he said with a smile, despite admitting he had reservations about only two points.
Another leader from the internet business community said no formal discussions had yet taken place within business associations. “Politicians are active about voting, but business leaders haven’t really sat down to discuss the referendum. No one is against reform, but people will likely follow political directions. What we all agree on is that the internet should never be shut down again. Without reform, the country cannot move forward—but awareness is essential.”
At the grassroots level, understanding is even more limited. Biplob Mia, a grocery shop owner in Dhaka’s Bhatara area, said he had heard about the referendum but did not fully understand it. “I’ve never been able to vote before. This time I think I can. That alone makes me happy,” he said.
Against this backdrop, the post-uprising interim government has stepped up awareness efforts. The Chief Adviser’s Office has published an informational leaflet and launched two dedicated websites—gonovote.bd and gonovote.gov.bd—to clarify the referendum proposals.
Notably, the third item on the reform list explicitly addresses the protection of fundamental rights by ensuring that internet services can never again be arbitrarily shut down. As awareness gradually grows, public support for voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum—particularly to end internet blackouts permanently—appears to be gaining momentum.
DBTech/JNO/EK/OR
