ALBAWABA- Bangladesh’s interim government leader Muhammad Yunus announced on Tuesday that he will formally request the Election Commission to schedule the general election for February 2026, ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin around February 17 or 18.
In a televised address marking the first anniversary of the student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus stressed the importance of holding a transparent and inclusive vote to restore democratic order in the country.
Originally proposed for April, the election date was advanced following pressure from major political forces, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), for a quicker democratic transition.
However, Yunus’s commitment to fairness is facing criticism, as the influential Awami League, the former ruling party, remains banned from participating.
Analysts have warned that excluding the Awami League may undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process, despite Yunus’s pledges of openness.
The announcement comes at a time of growing political unrest and the resurgence of Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, raising further concerns about the future of governance and stability in Bangladesh.
Observers note that the upcoming election will be a critical test of Yunus’s ability to lead a peaceful transition and navigate the country through a deeply divided political landscape.
