Yunus indicates election by late 2025 or mid 2026

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said it may be possible to hold next national elections at the end of 2025 or first half of the election 2026.

While addressing the nation marking the Victory Day today, Yunus outlined the government's intentions to ensure that Bangladeshi expatriates abroad can vote for the first time.

Yunus emphasised that the timeline for the elections depends on the recommendations of the Electoral Reform Commission and the Constitution Reform Commission, which are currently conducting evaluations.

"Everything takes time. If we want to improve the election process and implement the necessary recommendations, the Election Commission should be given sufficient time to carry out these reforms," he said.

He suggested that elections could be held by late 2025 if the voter list is accurately prepared with minimal reforms. However, if broader reforms based on national consensus are implemented, the timeline could extend to the first half of 2026.

"And if, in view of the electoral process and the recommendations of the Electoral Reforms Commission and if we add in the expected level of reform based on the national consensus, it could take at least another six months, roughly between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026", he added.

The chief adviser highlighted the extensive work required to update the voter list, a critical step in the election process.

"The task is more challenging this time because voters did not participate in the last three elections, and the voter list has not been verified for over 15 years," he said.

He underscored the need to include all eligible voters who have come of age during this period while removing duplicate entries from the voter list.

Yunus acknowledged the significance of first-time voters in the upcoming election.

"After a long time, many young women and men will be voting for the first time in their lives. They were deprived of those rights and pleasures in the past.Their participation will make this election a historic and memorable event," he said.

The chief Adviser urged the Election Commission, political parties, and social organisations to take creative initiatives to ensure close to 100 percent voter turnout among first-time voters.

"If we can achieve this, no future government will dare to undermine the people's right to vote," he said.

Yunus also reiterated the government's commitment to enabling Bangladeshi expatriates to vote, a promise that has been made repeatedly in the past but never implemented.

He called for the creation of a reliable system to facilitate this process.

The Election Commission, led by the newly appointed chief election commissioner, has begun preparations for the polls. The commission's primary task is to update the voter list and ensure that all eligible voters are included.

"From now on, the Election Commission holds the responsibility for forming the future government," Yunus added.