DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, has projected that the country’s next general elections could take place between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. This announcement, made during his Victory Day address, marks a significant milestone following months of political instability after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Victory Day, commemorating Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, set the stage for Yunus to emphasize the critical need for political consensus and comprehensive electoral reforms. “Elections could proceed by the end of 2025 if minor reforms are achieved,” Yunus stated, underscoring that broader reforms may push the timeline into mid-2026. His speech also highlighted the pivotal work required to update the voter rolls, a task untouched for over 15 years.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has shifted dramatically since the student-led uprising that led to Hasina’s removal. Over 600 people lost their lives during these protests, which demanded a more transparent and reform-oriented government. Yunus’s caretaker administration has since taken on the challenge of stabilizing governance and laying the groundwork for a credible election process.
Yunus also called for national unity, urging political factions to collaborate in ensuring the elections are conducted fairly. Victory Day celebrations included bilateral engagements with India, further symbolizing regional solidarity. Indian war veterans joined events in Dhaka, while Bangladeshi freedom fighters participated in commemorations in Kolkata, reaffirming historical ties.
While optimism grows about the election timeline, political analysts remain cautious, noting the complexities of implementing reforms amidst ongoing unrest. The success of the next elections hinges on Yunus’s ability to maintain stability and build consensus among opposing factions.
Source: Web Team, C6N
