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Published : 06 Aug 2025, 03:36 AM
In a definitive move to steer Bangladesh's political future, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has announced that the general election will be held before Ramadan next February, echoing the framework set out in the joint declaration at the London meeting two months ago.
In a televised address on Tuesday, marking the July Uprising Day, he said the interim government will send a letter to the Election Commission (EC) asking it to prepare for polls ahead of Ramadan in 2026.
After months of speculation, uncertainty, and rumours surrounding the national vote, Yunus finally confirmed the election timeline.
Yet, he stopped short of specifying an exact date -- leaving many to question whether the doubts have truly been put to rest.
Some political parties have cautiously welcomed the announcement, saying they will now wait for the election schedule to be formally issued.
Others have raised concerns over the government’s readiness to conduct a credible election, citing the lack of visible reform measures and ongoing law and order challenges.
Still, some believe the latest statement has brought clarity.
Election analyst and member of the Electoral Reform Commission Abdul Alim said the announcement marks an end to the indecision and speculation that had clouded the political landscape.
Yunus’s interim government assumed office on Aug 5, 2024, three days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
Four months into his tenure, Yunus suggested in a Dec 16 address that elections could be held either in December 2025 or during the first half of 2026.
But despite repeated reassurances from the interim prime minister and his advisors, the BNP remained unconvinced -- demanding a clear roadmap and pressing for elections no later than December this year.
As disputes over the timeline intensified, the BNP began openly opposing the interim government’s positions on multiple fronts -- also taking to the streets to show its strength.
On the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, Yunus slightly advanced the proposed timeline, saying in a national address that elections could take place in the first half of April 2026.
Parties like the Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) welcomed that announcement.
But the BNP held its ground, insisting that polls must take place within the current year.
BNP leaders have argued that holding elections in February–March, during Ramadan, would disrupt campaigning, while SSC and equivalent examinations in April would further complicate the process --making April polls impractical.
Amid the political inactivity of the ousted Awami League, analysts had warned that the interim government’s reform efforts and the judicial process surrounding the July killings could be hindered due to its strained relationship with the BNP, one of the country’s largest political parties.
On Jun 11, Yunus met with BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London.
In a joint statement following the meeting, they said: “If all preparations are completed, elections may be held even in the week preceding the start of Ramadan in 2026.
“This, however, would require sufficient progress on both reforms and the justice process within that timeframe.”
By attaching such conditions, the statement introduced fresh uncertainty about the timeframe.
Now, with Yunus explicitly announcing plans to hold the election before next year’s Ramadan, the political calendar has again shifted toward February.
Ramadan is expected to begin around Feb 18 next year, subject to moon sighting.
The EC is now expected to finalise a polling date ahead of that deadline.
ELETION ANNOUNCEMENT
On the day-long event commemorating the anniversary of the Uprising at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, Yunus stood on the stage at the South Plaza of the parliament building.
Political party leaders looked on as he unveiled the July Procalamtion on behalf of the interim government -- later delivering his speech to the nation that evening.
Yunus said Bangladesh was entering “the final and most important phase”.
“We are now beginning the process of transferring power to an elected government.
“On behalf of the interim government, I will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting that the Election Commission organise the national election in February 2026, before the start of Ramadan.”
Despite naming the general timeframe, Yunus did not specify a precise date. Instead, he asked the nation for their prayers so that the election might take place “beautifully”, enabling all citizens to contribute to building a “New Bangladesh”.
He pledged all necessary support and said: “We want this election to be memorable in terms of joy, peace, voter turnout, goodwill and sincerity. Preparations will begin [Wednesday] -- mentally, institutionally -- so everything is in place.”
Yunus emphasised arrangements for expatriate voters and said the Election Commission was already working on that.
He also encouraged safe and enthusiastic participation by women voters across the country, promising arrangements to ensure women can vote with confidence.
Recalling three elections under the previous government, Yunus criticised past denial of voting rights over the last 15 years. “In this election we want to reclaim our precious right to vote, and bring immense joy to the country.
“Let's make election day like Eid -- voters will bring their entire families.”
He urged voters to discuss, plan and create a democratic and joyous civic experience together.
“This is the foundation of building a new Bangladesh. Prepare yourselves.”
The chief advisor also called on citizens to seek out the “best candidates”. “Think of those who sacrificed their lives for us, and let them come to mind in that final moment before voting.”
“February is not far away,” he added. “If preparations begin now, the day will arrive. Many years we couldn't vote -- now everyone will vote.
“No one will be left out. Let us all say that we voted so that our country could move towards building a new Bangladesh.”
‘NOW A ROADMAD IS NEEDED’
Election analyst Abdul Alim said for a long time, many people had doubts, suspicions and rumours about whether an election would actually be held in February. There were even suggestions that it might take two or three more years.
“The chief advisor’s announcement today has put those rumours to rest. No doubt remains that elections will be in February. It’s now clear.”
He emphasised Yunus has given a possible timeframe, not a date. “That responsibility lies with the Election Commission.
“In Bangladesh’s history, the dates for all elections have always been announced by the Election Commission. Never by an interim or sitting government.
“What this means is that every political party, and certainly the Election Commission, is now set on an electoral course.”
He noted that, in light of the upcoming announcement of the election schedule and polling date, the EC can now begin preparing a roadmap for the election.
“A framework is now visible. The Election Commission can proceed with a roadmap if it considers that appropriate,” he said. “Since 2008, issuing a roadmap ahead of national elections has become common practice.”
He expressed confidence that the EC would release a schedule at the proper time, likely two months in advance, in line with established norms.
Although momentum is building toward the election, Alim noted that attention must now turn to public security and political stability.
He said, “Political parties will begin treating the election as their top priority. The commission should accelerate its pre-election preparations, particularly since voting is expected to take place before Ramadan.”
Citing the Yunus’s emphasis on maintaining peace, he said: “No group should be allowed to obstruct the electoral process. This is a key message.
“I’ve said before that the law and order may become the most serious challenge. The chief advisor appears to recognise this, which is encouraging. Strong planning is essential.”
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring broad participation and restoring the people’s right to vote.
“This is very important,” Alim said. “Taking everything into account, it seems clear to me that the country is now fully focused on the upcoming election.”
BNP WELCOMES THE MOVE
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has welcomed Yunus’s announcement, saying it signals the end of the uncertainty that had surrounded the timing of the national election.
“He [Yunus] has said he will write to the Election Commission, requesting that the election be held in the first half of February, before Ramadan begins in 2026,” he told bdnews24.com.
“The commission will, of course, announce the schedule in due course. But the instruction he [Yunus] has given, and the commitment to send that letter -- this is what the entire country was waiting for.”
According to Salahuddin, the announcement has dispelled widespread doubts about whether elections would be held at all. “Many believed the process was still in limbo. That indecision is now over.
“The country is turning toward an election-oriented atmosphere.”
Asked if the statement could help resolve the political crisis, he said: “We believe this will reinforce political stability. It will reduce the uncertainty that has affected business, investment, and overall national confidence.
“Things will begin moving again -- that’s what we hope.”
NCP REMAINS SCEPTICAL
Samantha Sharmin, the NCP senior joint convenor, said her party continues to prioritise reform over election-centric politics, but is prepared to participate if elections are held.
“The NCP has never taken a negative stance on election timing,” she told bdnews24.com. “However, electoral reforms must come first. That’s why a reform commission was formed, and it has already submitted recommendations.
“But none of those recommendations have been implemented yet.”
“In such a situation, we needed a field test to assess whether the country is even capable of holding a national election,” Samantha said.
“Alongside that, we must also consider the trial of Awami League members involved in crimes, which still has not progressed.”
She noted that a fair electoral environment is far from established. “Still, if the chief advisor, the Advisory Council, the Consensus Commission, and other stakeholders truly commit to the process, a fair election might become possible.”
JATIYA PARTY CALLS IT ‘GOOD SIGN’
Jatiya Party Secretary General Shameem Haider Patwari said, “It’s a good sign that an election schedule has been announced. This should calm the political atmosphere.”
He, however expressed concern over ongoing “mob” violence and the breakdown of rule of law.
“Unless these issues are brought under control, and unless the police, administration, government, and political parties come together with a shared commitment to holding fair elections, I don’t believe the government will be able to conduct the polls under any circumstances,” he said.
SAKI SEES ‘APPROPRIATE TIMING’, PRINCE DEMANDS ‘NEUTRAL GOVERNMENT’
Reacting to the announcement of the likely election timeline, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince called on the interim government to clarify when it will form a “non-partisan, neutral government” to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
He claimed the interim government has already “lost its neutrality”, and reiterated the demand for an election-time neutral administration.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, he said: “We still maintain that the Election Commission should be instructed to hold the election by December, and we believe that is achievable. Even so, hearing a specific month from his mouth is a step forward.”
“We hope [Yunus] will also clarify when exactly a neutral government will be formed. We consider this an urgent requirement for a free, fair, and acceptable election, because this government has already lost its neutrality.”
Zonayed Saki, coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, said: “The tentative timeline for the election, before Ramadan in February, is logical and appropriate. Every remaining arrangement must be made in such a way that no doubts or uncertainty remain regarding the schedule.”
ELECTION SCHEDULE 60 DAYS BEFORE POLLS: EC
The Election Commission has said it will soon release an “action plan” outlining the implementation timeline for its electoral roadmap.
The constitutional body responsible for organising the vote also said it is preparing to announce the election schedule at least 50 days before the polling date, likely in the latter half of December.
Election Commissioner Md Alamgir told bdnews24.com, “The chief advisor has indicated the probable timeframe. We will soon announce an action plan for the election preparations.”
He continued, “If the schedule is to be declared 50 to 60 days, roughly two months, prior to the election date, then that would mean sometime towards the end of December. According to Article 11 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the schedule will specify the nomination submission date, scrutiny, withdrawal deadline, and polling day.”
The timeframe, from the second half of December through all of January and into mid-February, adds up to approximately 50 to 55 days.
The final decision on the exact date of schedule announcement will take into account critical factors including weather conditions and academic examinations.
He added: “We will not issue a roadmap, but will soon release our action plan. The action plan will detail what tasks need to be done, when they will be carried out, and when they will be completed.
“It will include dates for finalising party registration, completing constituency delimitation, and finishing procurement processes.”
The action plan will also include a list of tasks to be completed both before and after the official election schedule is announced.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has already confirmed that the election schedule will be announced around two months before the polling day.
