Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has announced that Bangladesh’s next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026, ending months of speculation surrounding the polls.
In a televised address to the nation at 7:00 PM on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha Friday, Prof Yunus said that the Election Commission will soon unveil a comprehensive roadmap detailing the electoral process.
“The interim government was formed with three mandates—reform, justice, and elections. I believe that by the next Eid-ul-Fitr, we will see tangible progress in these areas, particularly in the trials of crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising,” Yunus said.
This announcement marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s political landscape following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024.
Over the past several months, Yunus had stated that the election would likely be held between December 2025 and June 2026, depending on reform progress. While the BNP and its allies have consistently demanded elections by December 2025, the National Citizen Party (NCP)—formed by July uprising leaders—has called for elections only after reforms are complete.
Jamaat-e-Islami, initially aligned with the NCP, had later shown flexibility, proposing a February election before Ramadan, and recently suggesting a window between December and April.
In contrast, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, during an officers’ address on May 21, emphasized the need for elections by December this year. “Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not unelected decision-makers,” he was quoted as saying.
Yunus, however, expressed the government’s vision for what he termed the “most free, fair, competitive, and acceptable election in history”, calling on citizens to ensure that political parties commit to reform pledges.
“You, the people, must extract promises from all candidates and parties that they will uphold democratic rights, human dignity, and reject corruption, terrorism, and partisanship,” he urged.
He also highlighted the symbolic weight of the upcoming election, calling it an opportunity to build a “New Bangladesh” envisioned by the students and masses who led the uprising.
“After one and a half decades, the country will have a truly representative parliament. Many young people will vote for the first time. This election must reflect their hopes, not the past failures,” he said.
Yunus concluded by stating that while known political parties and symbols will remain on the ballot, voters must evaluate the candidates behind those symbols, and judge their commitment to building a reformed and just nation.
LND/BG
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