Bangladesh Sets February 2026 for General Elections
On August 5, 2025, Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, officially announced that the next general elections are scheduled for February 2026. This declaration, made during a televised national address, is a crucial step in the country's transition to a democratically elected government following the mass uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Key Details of the Announcement:
Revised Election Timeline: The February 2026 date is a revision of an earlier plan to hold elections in April. The new schedule, which was reportedly set after consultations with major political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), places the election before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Promise of a Fair and Transparent Vote: In his address, Yunus pledged that his administration would provide all necessary support to ensure the elections are "fair, peaceful, and transparent." He expressed his hope for a "memorable" election with high voter participation.
Changes in the Political Landscape: The interim government has taken significant steps to reshape the political environment. Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party has been banned, and its registration revoked, preventing it from participating in the upcoming polls. This positions the BNP as a key contender. Additionally, a new political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), has been formed by the student leaders of the 2024 uprising.
Transfer of Power: Yunus, who leads the caretaker government, confirmed that he would step down after the vote to hand over power to the newly elected government. He emphasized that this election represents the "final and most important phase" of his administration's mandate.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
