Bangladesh: Chief Advisor Yunus Announces National Elections to Be Held in April 2026

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Interim Government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus announced on Friday that the country’s next national elections will be held in April 2026.

“I am informing the people of Bangladesh that the next national elections will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026,” Yunus declared in a televised address to the nation on the eve of Eid al-Adha, which will be celebrated on Saturday.

He added that the Election Commission will release a detailed election roadmap at an appropriate time.

During the speech, Yunus highlighted the achievements of the interim government over the last 10 months and emphasized that it has focused on a three-point agenda: justice, reforms, and elections.

“We want the highest possible participation of voters, candidates, and political parties. Let this election be remembered as the most free, fair, and impartial in our nation’s history,” Yunus stated.

However, Yunus’s announcement comes amid growing pressure from several political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demanding that elections be held by December this year.

Salahuddin Ahmed, a senior BNP leader, said earlier this week that holding elections before December is feasible, provided there is national consensus on reforms. “Reforms that do not require constitutional amendments can be completed in less than a month,” he argued, calling a delay beyond December unjustifiable.

He added, “We all support democracy and demand prompt elections to restore the people’s right to vote.”

Despite these calls, Yunus remains firm on his reform-first approach, pushing elections to 2026, even as he faces a volatile and contentious political environment.

Last month, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called on citizens and youth to ensure elections are held this December. Speaking virtually from London, he criticized the interim government for its failure to set a timeline even after 10 months in office.

“Caretaker governments in Bangladesh have historically organized elections within three months. Our people deserve a government chosen through a free and fair vote—not delays and indecision,” Rahman said.

He challenged the current leadership: “If you want to stay in power, resign, stand with the people, contest the elections, and if you win—return legitimately.”

Meanwhile, Yunus is expected to visit London from June 10 to 13, following the Eid holiday.

With inputs from IANS