Election by June 2026
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has announced that Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election will take place between December this year and June next year. The announcement was made during a meeting with Taro Aso, former Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League, in Tokyo on Wednesday, 28 May.
Speaking to the media following the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated, “Professor Yunus has set a six-month time frame and assured that the election will be conducted within this period.” He emphasised that a specific date would be announced once all necessary preparations are complete.
The meeting took place at the bilateral meeting room of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, where Professor Yunus is attending the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and holding bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
According to Shafiqul, this six-month window serves as a clear roadmap, reaffirming Professor Yunus’ commitment to stepping down no later than June. “He has stated unequivocally that he will not remain in power a single day beyond June,” he added. The interim government, under Professor Yunus, is said to be actively working across several fronts. “The fragile economy has been stabilised, and reforms are underway in economic, administrative, and legal areas. Significant progress is also being made in strengthening the Election Commission,” the press secretary noted.
On the topic of political reform, Shafiqul cited the contributions of Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, who has outlined both common ground and areas of divergence among political parties. The commission will begin its second round of discussions in early June, with hopes that parties will soon reach a consensus, enabling reform efforts to accelerate by July.
The Chief Adviser is reportedly advancing three core agendas: reform, the trial of fascist elements, and the election. Once conditions are conducive, a specific election date will be announced.
In response to questions regarding political stability, the press secretary asserted that there is no crisis or instability within the government or in its relations with political parties.
“We do not perceive any political instability or governmental uncertainty. All parties have expressed confidence in Professor Yunus’ leadership,” he stated.
In a separate message marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2025, Professor Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s dedication to global peace. He commended the nation’s peacekeepers for their professionalism, courage, and humanitarian contributions.
“Our peacekeepers continue to uphold Bangladesh’s image as a peace-building nation,” said Yunus, highlighting the country’s role as one of the largest troop-contributing nations to UN peacekeeping operations since their inception in 1988.
He paid tribute to the over 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty since 1948, including 57 in the past year. He also praised the role of the Armed Forces during the July 2024 uprising for maintaining peace and order.
Yunus expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s Armed Forces and Police, drawing on their peacekeeping experience, would continue to work tirelessly in conflict prevention, civilian protection, human rights, and peace-building. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the values of peace, tolerance, and humanity.
Extending his felicitations to UN peacekeepers, Professor Yunus emphasised that their dedication has earned international trust and elevated Bangladesh’s global standing.