Bangladesh‘s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus has announced that a parliamentary election will be held in February, 2026, as the country marked a year since a student-led uprising led to the ouster of former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.
Muhammad Yunus said in a televised address that the country was entering its final and most crucial phase — the transfer of power to an elected government.
He added that he would request the Election Commission to organize the election before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. That will begin on February 17 or 18, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted there.
“We will all begin mental preparation and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all arrangements so that this year’s election is memorable in the country’s history in terms of joy and celebration, peace and order, voter turnout, and cordiality.”
Muhammad Yunus
The timeline comes after consultations with major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) headed by former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia which had called for earlier elections.
Yunus had sought an April election, but major political parties, mainly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, sought a February vote.
Earlier, Yunus marked the uprising’s anniversary by saying that its spirit would build the future of the South Asian nation’s democracy.
He also formally released the “July Declaration”, a 26-point document outlining proposed reforms in governance, constitutional and political issues.
Top leaders from political groups such as the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) were present during the official unveiling at the Bangladesh Parliament Complex, commemorating the uprising anniversary.
The declaration sharply criticized the 1972 Constitution after its independence war against Pakistan in 1971, calling for reforms aligned with the will of the people.
“Whereas, the post-independence Awami League government failed to materialise the people’s aspirations because of the weaknesses in the procedures of drafting and in the structure of the constitution, along with its inappropriate application.”
July Declaration
It also condemned Sheikh Hasina’s administration, accusing it of turning Bangladesh into a fascist, mafia and failed state through alleged authoritarian rule and human rights violations.
“Whereas, during the rule of Sheikh Hasina, under her very leadership, an extreme force that was anti-people, autocratic and against human rights turned Bangladesh into a fascist, mafia and failed state and thereby tarnished Bangladesh’s international image.”
July Declaration
Hasina has been in exile in neighboring I India since August 5 last year, following her 15-year rule. She faces trial for crimes against humanity over the hundreds of deaths during the student-led uprising.
However, the event was held amid growing frustration over the interim administration’s failure to restore order and bring political bickering under control.
The election date has been one concern. The treatment of Hasina’s now-banned political party is another. Yunus has promised an internationally acceptable election, but his critics say it could be questionable without her Awami League party as it still has a significant support base.
Parties Urged To Include Youth, Women In Manifestos
Moreover, Yunus urged political parties to ensure that youth and women are not excluded from their manifestos or future governance plans. “Remember, the youth who have changed Bangladesh have the power to change the world as well,” he said.
Yunus called upon citizens to pray for a smooth and successful election, emphasising the administration’s intent to support a peaceful and celebratory democratic process. “So that all citizens of this country can move forward successfully in building a new Bangladesh,” Yunus added.
He asserted that the government will provide all necessary support to ensure that the election is “fair, peaceful and festive.”
The announcement sets the stage for Bangladesh’s return to an elected government.
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