Elections in February, announces Yunus
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that the 13th parliamentary elections will be held in February 2026, marking a key milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
He made the declaration in a televised national address on Tuesday night, commemorating the first anniversary of the July Uprising. The speech was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television, BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar.
“We will begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government,” Dr Yunus said. “On behalf of the interim government, I will send a formal letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can organise national elections in February 2026 – before the onset of the next Ramadan.”
Calling on the nation to unite behind the democratic process, he urged citizens to pray for success: “All of you should pray that the people of this country can move forward together in building a New Bangladesh through a peaceful, fair, and beautiful election. We, as the interim government, will extend every possible support to ensure this election is conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive spirit.”
Yunus emphasised that preparations, both institutional and societal, would begin immediately.
“From tomorrow, we will all start the mental and organisational preparation so that this election becomes a historic moment – remembered for its joy, peace, high voter turnout, harmony, and sincerity.”
In his address, the Chief Adviser reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to democratic restoration, constitutional reform, and institutional rebuilding in the lead-up to the polls.
Yunus emphasised that February 2026 is not far away, and called on every citizen to prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections with a sense of responsibility and hope.
“In no time, the day of voting will arrive,” he said in his national address on August 5. “For many years, none of us could vote freely. This time, we will all vote – no one will be left behind. Let every citizen be able to say: I cast my vote to set our country on the path of building a New Bangladesh. This journey began with my vote.”
He urged people, especially those living away from their home constituencies, to return and engage with their communities now.
“If you live far from your constituency, start visiting regularly from now on. Get to know the candidates. Be ready to elect the best representative,” he said.
Yunus also invoked the sacrifices made during the July Uprising: “Before you cast your vote, let the faces of those who gave their lives for this precious right appear before your eyes. Their fresh blood has restored our democracy. Let us honour them by voting with purpose and pride.”
He particularly called on women to participate with joy and determination.
“We want women to vote with enthusiasm and confidence. This election must be marked not just by participation, but by collective joy – a celebration of our regained sovereignty and our shared dream for a new Bangladesh.”
Yunus also warned that a group operating from abroad is actively attempting to disrupt the upcoming elections and derail Bangladesh’s democratic progress.
He said: “There is a group outside the country that is eager to destabilize the elections. They are engaged in various malicious activities – both from abroad and through networks within – to undermine our democratic transition.”
He urged the nation to remain vigilant.
“We must be cautious and ensure they do not get any opportunity to make the elections controversial or create chaos.”
Yunus emphasised that defeated forces would continue trying to regain influence before the polls.
“These forces will attempt to rise again and again until the election. But if we successfully hold a free, fair, and impartial election, their defeat will be final and irreversible.”
He called on all citizens, institutions, and political actors to safeguard the democratic process and protect the hard-won gains of the July Uprising.