Yunus Predicts Bangladesh Elections Likely in Late 2025 or Early 2026

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the next general election in the country could take place by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026.

He, however, said the timing of the election will largely depend upon the political consensus and the extent of the reforms that must be carried out prior to it.

"Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said in a televised speech to the nation on Vijay Diwas.

Vijay Diwas is observed to mark the surrender of the Pakistan military to Indian forces. India's glorious victory led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Yunus said he has repeatedly appealed to all to hold the polls after completing all the major reforms.

"However, if, due to political consensus, we have to hold the election on the basis of a flawless preparation of the voter list with minor reforms, then it may be possible to hold the elections by the end of 2025," United News of Bangladesh quoted Yunus as saying.

" If that's added on, if you include the probable quantum of reform in the process leading up to polls and considering that as dictated by the Election Reforms Commission report and national consensus then surely another six months have got to pass", says Yunus.

Yunus, the head of the caretaker government installed after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5 following a student-led uprising, said there was much work to be done before the voter list could be updated, a critical step in the election process.

"From now on, the responsibility has been entrusted to them to start the process of forming the future government. They have started their preparations. They have a lot of work to do," he said.
Yunus said no one has had the opportunity to verify the voters' list.

"We have to make sure that the names of all those who have become eligible to vote in the last 15 years are included in the voters' list. This is a big task," he said.

There is no room for any mistake after the student uprising, he said adding that many young people will vote for the first time and he recalled the past when they were deprived of that right and joy.