The Election Commission of Bangladesh announced on Tuesday that it is gearing up to conduct the national elections at any point between December 2025 and June 2026.
"During his speech on December 16 last year, the Chief Advisor stated that if minimal reforms and political consensus are achieved, the elections could be held by December 2025. However, if more comprehensive reforms are necessary, the polls may take place by June 2026," Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah stated during a press briefing. The announcement followed a meeting in Dhaka with ambassadors and representatives from 18 development partner nations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sanaullah clarified that the Election Commission is not currently preparing for any other elections. However, he mentioned that if the government decides to hold local government elections before the national polls, the Commission is ready to facilitate them, according to Bangladesh’s leading Bengali newspaper, Prothom Alo.
The dramatic ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a significant political coup last August is widely perceived as a major blow to Bangladesh’s democratic framework.
Following Hasina’s removal, an interim administration led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus was established on August 8, 2024. However, the widespread violence that erupted across the country not only weakened its already fragile democracy but also raised concerns about Bangladesh’s secular identity.
The interim government has come under heavy criticism for allegedly providing refuge to radical and extremist Islamic groups. In recent months, dissent in Bangladesh has been met with severe repression, with minorities—particularly Hindus—bearing the brunt of persecution.
Adding to the challenges for the current administration, US President Donald Trump's return to office last month has signaled a tougher stance on democratic and electoral reforms. The Trump 2.0 administration has made its position on these matters abundantly clear.
On Tuesday, US Charge d'Affaires to Bangladesh Tracey Jacobson met with Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, as Washington continues to press Dhaka toward a more stable and democratic future.
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