Dhaka: Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that the next national election will be held in the first half of April 2026. Delivering a nationally televised address on Friday, Dr Yunus said that the Election Commission will soon release a detailed roadmap in line with this schedule.
“There has been widespread public and political interest about when the election will take place,” Dr Yunus said. “As previously indicated, the timeline remains between December and June. We are working to create a climate that will support a fair and credible election during this window.”
He underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the election is transparent, peaceful, inclusive, and celebratory in nature. “This is not just an electoral exercise—it’s part of a larger national effort to avoid future political crises. For that, institutional reform is critical,” Dr Yunus emphasized. “Unless governance in key electoral institutions is strengthened, the sacrifices made by students and citizens will mean little.”
The chief adviser reaffirmed the interim government's three core mandates: reform, justice, and election. He expressed optimism that significant progress on reform and accountability—particularly in prosecuting crimes against humanity from the July uprising—would be made by the next Eid-ul-Fitr.
“We expect to reach a broad consensus on these issues by then, in recognition of the sacrifices made by the martyrs,” he said.
Dr Yunus voiced hope that these foundational goals will be at least partially realized before the national vote. “We are involving all relevant actors to ensure this becomes the freest, fairest, and most competitive election in the country’s history.”
He called on citizens to view the upcoming election as an opportunity to truly honor those who died for change. “We aim for an election that draws unprecedented voter participation, with a record number of candidates and political parties taking part.”
For the first time in over ten years, he said, the country will move toward forming a genuinely representative parliament. “Millions of young people will be voting for the first time. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard this future.”
In a direct appeal to voters, Dr Yunus encouraged the public to hold candidates and political parties accountable. “Demand clear commitments to implement agreed reforms in the very first session of parliament—without delay or compromise,” he urged. “And never allow anyone to barter away our sovereignty, independence, or national dignity.”
He further called on voters to push candidates to pledge to protect democratic rights and uphold integrity. “Ask them to govern with honesty, to reject corruption, favoritism, extortion, criminal syndicates, and political violence.”
“This election goes beyond peace and stability,” he added. “It’s about fulfilling the vision of the student-led uprising and building a ‘New Bangladesh.’ While party names and symbols may stay the same, it’s up to the people to decide who truly represents change.”
Dr Yunus concluded by calling the upcoming generation of voters “fortunate” for the opportunity they have to reshape the nation's future. “We are being handed a historic duty—to foster a new political culture and a new path for the nation. Think carefully, engage in dialogue, and recognize the immense weight your vote carries. Through responsible voting, we will build the New Bangladesh our martyrs dreamed of.”
