Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday set the stage for Bangladesh’s next national election, announcing it would take place in the first half of April 2026.
Speaking in a televised address to the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, Professor Mohammad Yunus also indicated that the Election commission is poised to release a detailed plan for the polls soon.
Professor Ynus clarified that the interim government, which assumed authority following the change in administration in August 2024, operates with a core mission: to implement reforms, ensure justice, and conduct elections. He expressed confidence that substantial progress, particularly concerning accountability for actions during the July mass uprising, would be clearly visible by the next Eid-ul-Fitr. The Chief Adviser also underscored the government’s extensive engagement with all political parties, aiming to facilitate the most free, fair, competitive, and credible elections in the country’s history
The announced timeline provides a definitive direction amidst previous speculation and varying political demands. Professor Yunus had earlier suggested an election window stretching from December 2025 to June 2026, contingent on the extent of reforms. In contrast, the BNP and its allied parties had advocated for an election by December of the current year. The National Citizen Party (NCP), a new political force comprising leaders from the July uprising, had insisted on elections only after the completion of reforms. While Jamaat-e-Islami initially shared the NCP’s stance, it later proposed a February election before Ramadan, subsequently broadening its preferred timeframe to between December and April. Separately, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, had on May 21 emphasized the necessity of holding the national election by December of the current year, asserting that Bangladesh’s political stability hinges on an elected government.
During his address, Professor Yunus reiterated the government’s aim for an election that honors the sacrifices made during the mass uprising. He voiced hope for maximum participation from voters, candidates, and parties, envisioning an election that would be remembered by the nation for its exceptional freeness, fairness, and impartiality. He further added that these polls would usher in a truly representative parliament after a fifteen-year period, providing a significant number of young citizens with their first opportunity to cast a ballot.
Professor Yunus urged the public to demand explicit commitments from all political parties and candidates on several crucial fronts:
Their unequivocal approval of consensually agreed-upon reforms in the first session of the next parliament.
A guarantee to never compromise Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national dignity, and to refrain from selling the country’s interests to any foreign power.
An assurance that they will never, under any circumstances, infringe upon the people’s democratic rights and human dignity.
A pledge to govern with complete honesty and transparency, remaining entirely free from corruption, partisanship, tender rigging, syndicate rigging, extortion, and terrorist activities, which he characterized as anti-people activities.
Concluding his remarks, Professor Yunus emphasized that this election is not merely about a peaceful electoral process but about forging a ‘New Bangladesh,’ embodying the aspirations of students and the broader populace. He advised voters to look beyond established party symbols and thoroughly evaluate candidates based on their genuine dedication to building this new nation.
