Fact Check: Interim Government Will Not Stay Post-Referendum, Confirms Advisory Press Wing

The Fact Division of the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing has warned of misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the upcoming national referendum. On Monday night, 19 January, the division posted a clarification on its verified Facebook account, which was shared on his account by Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

The post specifically addressed a video published by ‘The Post’ on Facebook and YouTube titled: “Referendum: If ‘Yes’ Wins, Another 6 Months of Yunus Government; If ‘No’ Wins, What?” The video allegedly misrepresented the referendum process, claiming that if the ‘Yes’ vote wins, a new government would not be formed immediately.

The video further claimed that elected MPs would act as a constitutional reform or national council for 180 days, during which they would make constitutional amendments while Dr. Yunus’ interim government would remain in power.

The Fact Division refuted these claims, explaining that the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 clearly states that if the ‘Yes’ vote wins, the elected representatives will simultaneously serve as MPs and members of the Constitutional Reform Council. Therefore, it will be the elected representatives in power, not the interim government.

Moreover, the Fact Division clarified that the Constitutional Reform Council will be dissolved after completing reforms within 180 working days from the start of the parliamentary session. Post-reform, MPs will continue solely as parliamentarians. The order contains no indication that the interim government will continue for six months; it explicitly mentions the dual role of parliament during this period.

DBTech/FBP/IK/OR