Dhaka, Nov. 1 -- With Bangladesh preparing for its 13th national election in the first half of February, the air of anticipation has been clouded by mounting political tension and uncertainty over a proposed referendum on the July National Charter - a document intended to guide sweeping political and constitutional reforms.

The National Consensus Commission recently submitted its final report to the interim government, recommending steps for implementing the Charter.

But instead of forging consensus, the move has deepened political divisions.

Major parties remain sharply split on both the timing and the process of the referendum, reviving fears of instability at a critical pre-election moment.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ha...