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Bangladesh to Hold National Elections in April 2026 Despite Calls for Earlier Vote

Yunus says electoral reforms must be completed before next year’s polls

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Muhammad Yunus, interim head of the Bangladesh government, attends the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Screengrab from video of Bangladesh interim head Mohammad Yunus announcing date of next general election | X

Overview

  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026.
  • He instructed the Election Commission to present a detailed roadmap for the polls at an appropriate time.
  • Opposition parties led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party expressed disappointment and reiterated demands for a December 2025 vote, citing concerns over Ramadan, exam schedules and weather.
  • Yunus argued that institutional overhauls and justice measures, including ongoing trials for crimes against humanity, are prerequisites for a credible election.
  • The ongoing trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on alleged crimes against humanity has heightened political tensions over the timing and fairness of the electoral process.