Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that the country’s general elections are expected to take place either by the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. Yunus, who assumed the role of “chief adviser” following the August revolution that saw the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasized the importance of reforms before setting a definitive election date.
Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate and microfinance pioneer, is currently overseeing a caretaker government tasked with restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation, which has a population of approximately 170 million. The announcement comes amid growing public pressure for the election schedule to be finalized.
In a televised broadcast, Yunus outlined that the election date would depend on the political consensus reached by the country’s political parties. He stressed that essential reforms should be implemented before the election, although he acknowledged that if parties agree to hold the vote with minimal reforms — such as ensuring an accurate voter list — the election could be scheduled by the end of November 2025.
However, Yunus also pointed out that comprehensive electoral reforms would likely delay the election by several months. His administration has launched multiple reform commissions to address issues within the electoral system and broader governance.
The caretaker government was established after an intense student-led uprising in August, which forced the 77-year-old Hasina to flee the country by helicopter, seeking refuge in neighboring India. Hasina’s 15-year rule was marred by accusations of human rights violations, including political repression, extrajudicial killings, and the manipulation of elections and government institutions to consolidate power.
As Yunus navigates the complex political landscape, he remains committed to the long-term goal of restoring democracy through careful reform, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing political unrest.
