Bangladesh is scheduled to host its general elections by late 2025 or in early 2026. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus confirmed the news as the country marked the 53rd anniversary of independence. The caretaker head of government, whose past laurels include one from the Nobel Committee, expressed optimism that the deadline should allow for the implementation of those significant reforms.
“We are looking at an error-free voter list and completely transparent processes. If political parties agree, elections could take place by the end of 2025,” Yunus said in a national address. However, he said that the full implementation of the reforms might shift the date to 2026.
The announcement follows months of mounting pressure on Yunus to restore democracy after Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown in a student-led uprising in August. Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, whose stance against Hasina was crucial during the protests, had earlier urged elections within 18 months.
Opposition parties, in this case, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have sought a speedier return to the rule of democratic institutions. Her party, the Awami League, is still disarrayed after her impromptu leave to India and after successive crackdowns on those supporting her return.
How Younis’ government is doing before Bangladesh general elections?
Yunus, 84, heads a transitional government to rebuild democratic institutions in a nation marred by political upheaval. His government has established commissions to supervise reforms like depoliticizing courts, enhancing the neutrality of civil service, and purging inaccuracies from voter lists.
“Ensuring 100% voter turnout is my dream. If we achieve this, no government will dare suppress citizens’ voting rights again,” Yunus said. He also renewed his pledge for justice to abuses under Hasina’s government by even issuing a warrant for her arrest.
Bangladesh last conducted general elections in January, with allegations of voter suppression and mass arrests of opposition members. Yunus hopes the coming polls will mark a clean break from the past, a new chapter for the 170 million citizens of this country.
Also, see: List of WPL 2025 auction unsold players