The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus may hand over power to a political administration on 15 or 16 February.
Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan disclosed this to Times of Bangladesh, following discussions at the final meeting of the interim government’s Advisory Council on Monday.
After the election gazette is published, either the chief justice or the chief election commissioner may administer the oath to the newly elected members of parliament. However, no final decision has yet been made on who will conduct the ceremony.
The interim government was formed on 8 August 2024, three days after the fall of the Awami League government during a mass uprising, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as chief adviser.
Over the past 19 months, the interim administration has faced widespread deterioration in law and order. Although it promised reforms upon assuming power, critics argue that little has been achieved, fueling doubts about whether the government will actually step down.
Amid skepticism over elections and reforms, the Advisory Council held its final meeting two days before the polls. Earlier that morning, all secretaries were summoned and given instructions, including assurances that power would be transferred to the elected government after the national election.
Immediately after the meeting with secretaries, the Advisory Council convened for the last time. The Chief Adviser approved several ordinances and a trade agreement with Japan. Following the meeting, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.
He said the meeting approved drafts of the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework Policy 2026 and the National Fisheries Policy 2026. It also endorsed a proposal for a manpower deployment agreement between the armed forces of Bangladesh and Qatar.
Additionally, the council gave policy approval to recommendations from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority regarding the establishment of free trade zones.
“This election will be fair and peaceful. It will bring an unprecedented change to the political structure,” Shafiqul quoted Yunus as saying.
Yunus noted that more technology would be used in this election than in any previous one, making it “better than any past election.”
He also spoke about the referendum. He said, “If the ‘Yes’ vote wins, the country will be transformed, and Bangladesh’s future will be built on a stronger foundation. Misrule will no longer continue.”
