Dhaka, Feb. 17 -- A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the Feb 12 referendum and seeking annulment of its results.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court lawyer ABM Ataul Majid Touhid filed the writ on public interest.

The chief election commissioner, cabinet secretary, and law secretary have been named as respondents in the petition.

Speaking to journalists, Touhid said the writ sought a rule asking why the referendum and the results announced on Feb 13 should not be declared unlawful.

The petition is likely to be heard next week by a High Court bench led by Justice Fatema Najib.

In the referendum, the proposal for change-meaning a "Yes" vote-emerged victorious. The nationwide vote saw a turnout of 60.26...