Yunus Govt’s ‘Yes’ Referendum Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Bank Meetings, CSR Funds and Unregistered NGOs

Bangladesh’s ‘Yes’ referendum campaign, held ahead of the 2026 general election under.

The interim leadership of Mohammad Yunus, has come under legal scrutiny following allegations that state resources, banking-sector funds and unregistered organisations were used to influence voters.

A Supreme Court lawyer has issued a legal notice seeking an investigation into what he describes as the “misuse of public money” to promote the referendum’s pro-‘Yes’ campaign.

According to the notice, a copy of which is in possession of News18, advocate Aslam Mia—through barrister Sanaullah Nore—has alleged that government institutions, banks and private organisations were coordinated to fund and support campaign activities linked to the referendum.

The notice, dated May 7, has been sent to top constitutional and regulatory authorities, including the Cabinet Secretary, Bangladesh Bank Governor, Chief Election Commissioner and the Anti-Corruption Commission chairman. It seeks an inquiry within 15 days into alleged irregularities tied to campaign financing.

Allegations of banking sector involvement

A key allegation in the notice is that Bangladesh Bank and the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) were involved in facilitating funds allegedly directed towards organisations campaigning for the ‘Yes’ vote.

It claims that nearly Tk 3.7 crore was allocated to three organisations—Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), Students Against Discrimination (SAD) Foundation and Debate for Democracy—for campaign-related activities.

The notice further alleges that the matter was discussed during a bankers’ meeting on January 11, where support for the referendum campaign was reportedly raised despite not being part of the official agenda. It also mentions the presence of senior officials from the Financial Institutions Division at the meeting, which it describes as unusual.

CSR funds under question

The legal notice also raises concerns over the alleged use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from banks, arguing that such allocations violate Bangladesh Bank’s guidelines.

CSR funds in the banking sector are typically earmarked for education, healthcare, climate action and social welfare programmes, not political or electoral campaigning, the notice claims.

It further alleges that banks were later instructed to contribute to campaign-related spending through administrative channels linked to the Chief Adviser’s office.

Questions over NGO registration and funding

The notice specifically flags the Students Against Discrimination Foundation, claiming that it was unregistered at the time initial funding proposals were discussed.

It alleges that while a larger funding request was initially rejected, a smaller amount was later approved after the organisation obtained registration within a short period.

The document also claims that subsequent inspections by banking authorities could not verify proper documentation or establish a functioning office for the foundation.

Alleged government spending

Beyond the banking sector, the notice alleges that approximately Tk 142 crore was spent by six ministries and the Election Commission to promote the ‘Yes’ campaign.

It describes these expenditures as “arbitrary” and “beyond mandate”, and calls for accountability from the interim administration.

Referendum background

The 2026 ‘Yes’ referendum, held on February 12, approved the July National Charter 2025 with 68.26% support. The non-binding vote was positioned as a major political reset following the 2024 upheaval in Bangladesh.

The Charter outlines 84 reform proposals, including 47 constitutional amendments aimed at introducing a bicameral legislature, limiting the prime minister’s tenure and strengthening independent institutions.

While the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formally supported the ‘Yes’ campaign and signed the Charter in October 2025, it has since expressed reservations over several provisions.

The allegations have now added a new layer of political controversy to an already closely watched transitional process in Bangladesh.