Top News

Announcement of National Elections

Dhaka: Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, announced on Friday that the national elections are set to take place in April 2026.

In a televised address coinciding with the Eid al-Adha festivities, Yunus declared, "The next national elections will occur in the first half of April 2026."

He assured the public that the Election Commission would unveil a comprehensive election roadmap at an appropriate time.

During his speech, Yunus highlighted the interim government's accomplishments over the past ten months, emphasizing their commitment to a three-point agenda focused on justice, reforms, and elections.

"We aim for maximum participation from voters, candidates, and political parties in the upcoming elections. We hope this will be remembered as the most free, fair, and impartial election in our history," Yunus stated.

Political pressure has been mounting on Yunus, with several parties demanding elections by December of this year.

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), remarked earlier this week that it is feasible to conduct national elections before December, asserting that necessary reforms could be completed in under a month.

"December is too late. If we reach a national consensus on reform proposals, excluding constitutional amendments, they can be implemented swiftly," Salahuddin was quoted as saying during a discussion organized by the Gono Odhikar Parishad.

He reiterated that there is no valid justification for delaying elections beyond December, stating, "We all support democracy and prompt elections to uphold the people's right to vote. There is no reason to postpone elections past December."

The interim government is facing increasing demands from various political factions, including the BNP, to hold elections by the year's end.

The BNP is optimistic about winning a majority in the elections, while Yunus, navigating through a turbulent political landscape, insists on prioritizing democratic reforms before pushing the elections to June 2026.

Last month, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called on the youth and citizens to ensure elections occur by December.

"Historically, caretaker governments in Bangladesh have demonstrated that national elections can be organized within three months. Yet, ten months into its term, Yunus's interim administration has yet to announce an election date. The people of Bangladesh deserve better. We seek a nation free from authoritarianism, led by a government elected through fair voting and accountable to its citizens," Rahman stated during a virtual rally from London.

"If anyone wishes to remain in power, they should resign, stand with the people, contest elections, and if victorious, return to govern," he added.

In the meantime, Yunus is scheduled for an overseas trip to London from June 10-13 following Eid.