Preparations under way for local government polls alongside general elections, says Yunus

He seeks EIB support for the Chattogram Port infrastructure

The interim government is preparing for local government elections alongside the national parliamentary polls, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said.

During a meeting with the European Investment Bank, or EIB, Vice-President Nicola Beer, who is visiting Dhaka, the interim prime minister detailed the government’s plans regarding elections under its tenure.

The meeting took place on Wednesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, where the two discussed reforms, investment in Bangladesh, and other key issues.

These details were shared in a press release issued by his office later in the day.

Yunus told the senior EIB official that the interim administration was also simultaneously preparing for local elections to make sure that "local government is really local and a government”.

The chief advisor had earlier indicated that the general election might take place by late 2025 or early 2026, with the caretaker administration focusing on advancing key reforms in the meantime.

During the meeting, Nikola assured support for the implementing the Yunus-led government's key reform initiatives.

“We have come in a very challenging time; we back the interim government and its reform agenda,” she said.

The discussion also covered building facilities at Chittagong Port, with Yunus seeking the EIB's assistance.

He explained that the development of the port, the largest in Bangladesh, would benefit not only the country but also eastern India and Myanmar.

In response, Nicola said the European Union, or EU, has the technical expertise to provide the support.

She added, “Everything we can do, please ask.

“It is important to make it visible that the interim government of Bangladesh is not only working but also delivering.”

Yunus also sought the EIB's assistance in tackling corruption, facilitating the green transition in energy, and formulating a comprehensive plan for the Sundarbans mangrove forest, along with its surrounding areas and river systems.