Next election is likely to take place within Jun 30, 2026

Bangladesh is likely to hold general elections within Jun 30, 2026 at the latest, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

However, if the interim government carries out fewer reforms, the election could be held by December 2025, he added at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday.

In response to a question about the demand for a clear election roadmap from political parties, including the BNP, Shafiqul said: "The election roadmap has been clearly outlined. The final date will depend on the extent of the reforms. The chief adviser has already pointed this out."

"He [chief adviser] has provided a timeframe. What could be a clearer roadmap than this? You can expect elections by Jun 30, 2026."

On Monday, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in his Victory Day speech had shared his views on the possible timeline for the next election.

The interim prime minister indicated that the election date would depend on political consensus and the degree of reforms.
He estimated that the 13th general election could occur within the next 12 to 18 months.

In the face of a mass uprising, Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister on Aug 5 and left for India, ending her party's 15-year rule, reports bdnews24.com.

On Aug 8, Nobel laureate Yunus and his advisory council were sworn in at the Bangabhaban to form the interim government.

Since then, questions have repeatedly arisen about the administration's tenure and the timeline for elections to bring a democratically elected government to power. Several advisors, as well as the army chief, have made statements on the potential election timeline.

However, these remarks were considered personal opinions rather than official decisions of the interim administration. The BNP has also called for an announcement of a clear election roadmap.

On Nov 17, during a speech marking the interim government's 100 days in office, Yunus said the "train of elections" had begun its journey and would not stop.

However, he stressed the importance of implementing the government's initiatives for state reform before proceeding with elections. In a regular briefing on Tuesday, Press Secretary Shafiqul said: "This is a clear roadmap. Now, if you ask when the nomination filing will take place, that is up to the Election Commission."

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, responding to the same query, said: "The specific date for the election and when nominations will be filed is the responsibility of the Election Commission. The government's role is to assist the commission and ensure a fair election."

"There is a national demand for the necessary reforms from both political parties and the people. This is also the spirit of the July Revolution."

He continued, "Our democratic institutions have been completely destroyed. The people have been deprived of their right to vote for a long time. The youth's demand from the chief advisor is to ensure they can vote and have their civil rights guaranteed."

Azad expressed hope that the reform commissions would submit their reports soon, adding that, based on these proposals, a National Consensus Commission could be formed, as suggested by the chief advisor in his speech. "Once the issues of reform are settled through national consensus, the Election Commission will be able to announce the election date," he said.

The deputy press secretary highlighted that the Election Commission has already begun preparations for the election.

"For the final election date, everyone should contact the Election Commission," he said. "The government has outlined the possible timeline for the election."

Azad concluded by saying, "The chief advisor outlined in his speech the framework and procedure for how the government will address the issues that have already been discussed, those still under discussion, and any future issues that may arise in the process of organising the election."