Bangladesh general election in February 2026, says Yunus

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday declared that the next general election will be held in February 2026.

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

He announced the election timeframe during his address to the nation via state television, BTV and radio to mark the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"On behalf of the interim government, I will write to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting that the Election Commission organise a national election in February 2026, before the next Ramadan," Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said.

"We will all begin mental preparation and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all arrangements so that this year's election is memorable in the country's history in terms of joy and celebration, peace and order, voter turnout, and cordiality," he added.

"My appeal to political parties is that in your election manifestos, in your promises, pledges, and plans, the youth should not be left out. Women should not be left out. Remember, the youth who have changed Bangladesh have the power to change the world as well," Yunus said.