General election likely between December 2025 and March 2026: press secretary

He clarifies that no discussion has yet taken place on whether local or national elections will be held first

Bangladesh is likely to hold parliamentary elections between December 2025 and March 2026, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

Until now, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus had said the national election could be held either in December this year or in June next year.

The interim government indicated that if political parties call for minimal reforms, the vote will take place in December, while more extensive reforms would push the polls to March 2026.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Monday evening, Shafiqul explained that organising elections from April to June is not ideal due to the potential for nor'westers storms and heavy rainfall.

When asked about the polls date, the press secretary said: "This has been discussed many times. The chief advisor and other advisors have spoken about it.

“The chief advisor had previously mentioned two possible dates: one in December this year if political parties want minimal reforms, and the other, in the first half of next year if more time is required."

He continued, “But there is a practical issue. In April, nor'westers storms and heavy rainfall start, and in June the monsoon begins. Therefore, those three months are not ideal for elections.

When asked whether local government or general elections would be held first, he said: “That will be decided by the interim government. It is a decision of the advisory council.

“No discussion has yet taken place on this in the advisory council meeting,” Shafiqul added.