Dhaka, June 6 (UNI) Bangladesh Interim Government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus today announced that the much-awaited next national election will take place in the first half of April 2026.
In a televised address to the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, he said that the Election Commission will provide a detailed roadmap for the elections in due course, the Daily Star reported.
He said the interim government took office based on the three main mandates of having reform, justice and elections.
"In that regard, I believe that by the next Eid-ul-Fitr, we will be able to reach an acceptable point on reform and justice. Especially, all will be able to see visible progress on the trial of crimes against humanity – which is the government's collective responsibility towards the martyrs of the July mass uprising," he said.
"The government has held discussions with all parties to organise the most free, fair, competitive and acceptable elections in history. In addition, after reviewing the ongoing reform activities related to justice, reform and elections, I am announcing to the people of the country today that the next national elections will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026," Yunus said.
This is a major development in the context of Bangladesh's politics after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024.
Yunus, on several occasions during the past few months, has said that the next elections will take place between December 2025 and June 2026, based on the extent of refroms.
However, BNP and like minded parties have been demanding that the election takes place by December this year.
National Citizen Party, the newly formed political party comprised of July uprising leaders, have been pushing for the election to be held after the reforms are completed.
Jamaat-e-Islami intially had a similar stance to the NCP. The party then said the election can take place in February, before Ramadan. Last week, top Jamaat leaders said the election can take place between December and April.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, on May 21, said the national election should be held by December this year.
"Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers," one source quoted the army chief as saying in an Officers' Address.
Yunus, in his address to the nation today, also said the government wants an election that will satisfy the souls of the martyrs of the mass uprising.
"We want the largest number of voters, the largest number of candidates and parties to participate in the next election. Let it be remembered by the nation as the most free, fair and impartial election", he hoped.
Yunus also urged people to extract specific promises from the political parties that they will never, under any circumstances, violate the people's democratic rights and human dignity.
He also reminded the people of the country that this election is not just about peaceful elections. It is an election to build a 'New Bangladesh', the aspiration of the students and the masses.
UNI RN