Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus on Friday announced that the national elections in the country will be held in April 2026.
In a televised address to the nation on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha today, Yunus said that the polls will be held in the first half of April next year, and that the Election Commission will provide a detailed roadmap for the elections in due course.
“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, as reported by The Daily Star.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debate between Yunus and the opposition over the election date. The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and its like minded parties, demanding elections by December, mounting pressure on Yunus. Even the Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, on May 21, stated that elections should be held by December this year.
However, Yunus continued to maintain his stance that the next elections will be held between December 2025 and June 2026, on the basis of the extent of reforms. He finally announced the scheduled period of general elections today.
During the address, Yunus also said the interim government took office based on the three main mandates of having reform, justice and elections.
“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 added.
According to The Daily Star, Yunus also said n his address that the government wants to conduct an election that would satisfy the martyrs of the uprising, referring to the lives lost during the violent protests that ultimately led to former PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year.
“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 said.
He also urged citizens to urge political parties to promise that they will “never compromise on the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity of Bangladesh and will not sell the country’s interests to any foreign power.”
