In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed that Bangladesh’s next national parliamentary election will take place in February 2026.
“I will formally write to the Election Commission to take necessary steps for holding the next election before Ramadan next February,” he said.
Speaking to the public on the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day, Yunus emphasised that the election would mark a significant step in the country’s return to a fully democratic order.
“Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty – holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government,” Yunus said, referring to the approaching election to be held in 2026
In the televised speech, the chief adviser hoped that the Bangladesh’s citizens can successfully move forward in the efforts towards building a “New Bangladesh” by conducting the election successfully.
The chief adviser started addressing the nation at 8:20 pm on the occasion of July Uprising Day. The speech was broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar.
“We, on behalf of the government, will provide all kinds of help and cooperation so that this election can be conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive manner,” Yunus said.
Stating that the election is approaching, he urged all those who are now staying away from their constituencies to start visiting them regularly from now on – so that they can be well prepared to elect the best candidates. “As we cast our vote, let the faces of those who shed their fresh blood to restore this precious (voting) right appear before our eyes,” the chief adviser said.
He said February is not too far away, and by the time preparations for the election get underway, voting day will be right around the corner.
“For many years, no one of us could exercise our right to vote. This time, we all will cast our votes. No one will be left out. Let each of us be able to say, ‘I cast my vote to set the country on the path to building a new Bangladesh. It was my vote that helped the country take that the path,’” Yunus said, pointing at the voters.
Yunus said they will all start mental preparations and institutional arrangements from Wednesday to complete all the arrangements so that this election becomes a memorable event in the history of the country in terms of joy and celebrations, peace and order, voter turnout, harmony and sincerity.
Prof Yunus said the desired goal has been achieved in terms of reforms, as under the coordination of the National Consensus Commission, all political parties in the country engaged in continuous discussions over a long period, and as a result, the July Charter has reached its final stage.
“The July Charter is a historic achievement. It will be remembered not only in our political history but also in the broader political arena. Not just the document itself, but the process of drafting it will also be remembered,” he said.
On behalf of the nation, the chief adviser expressed his deepest gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission, especially Professor Ali Riaz, who led the initiative.
He said representatives of the political parties took part in the discussions of the National Consensus Commission in a very cordial atmosphere.
Despite differences of opinion, the CA said, there was a sincere effort from all parties to build consensus. “We hope that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also reach an agreement on its implementation.”
He also hoped that the July Charter would ensure the smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, strengthen the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, guarantee the genuine implementation of citizens’ rights, and ensure proper management of state resources and capabilities.
“We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be reformed in such a way that any sign of fascism, anywhere, can be immediately rooted out. We should not have to wait another 16 years, and many people should not have to sacrifice their lives again. We should not need another mass uprising,” Yunus said.
He said the trial in the cases filed in connection with crimes against humanity in July-August last year is progressing firmly. “The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun. Those involved in the brutal massacres in history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country.”
The chief adviser said the trial process and its outcomes will gradually be disclosed to the people. “The entire trial procedure is being kept transparent and visible to the people of the country.”
His announcement is seen as a key moment in Bangladesh’s political transition following the fall of the Awami League government and the formation of the interim administration led by Yunus.
“The interim government has made substantial progress in restoring democratic processes, and the February election will be a vital component of this transition,” Yunus stated. “We remain committed to ensuring that the upcoming election is free, fair, and transparent, in line with the democratic aspirations of the people.”
Earlier in the evening, the chief adviser had read out the July Declaration in the South Plaza of the National Parliament, calling for justice, democratic reforms, and constitutionalising the July Uprising.