Chief Adviser (CA) Dr Muhammad Yunus on Friday (June 6) announced that the next general election will be held in the first half of April 2026.

He made the announcement in a nationwide address on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha.

Dr Yunus said, “Though our mandate is limited, we are committed to fulfilling it. After discussions with all sides and reviewing ongoing reforms related to justice, governance, and elections, I am announcing today that the next national election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026.”

He said that the Election Commission will announce a detailed roadmap in due time based on this declaration.

“We want an election that will bring peace to the souls of the martyrs of the uprising. We want an election with the highest number of voters, candidates, and parties participating. Let this election be remembered as the most free, fair, and neutral in the nation’s history,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said that after one and a half decades, the country will finally have a truly representative parliament. He noted that a large number of young voters will cast their votes for the first time.

“To achieve these goals, we are fully committed to taking all necessary steps,” he said.

Dr Yunus urged citizens to demand clear promises from political parties and candidates to ensure that agreed reforms are passed in the first session of the new parliament without changes.

He also called on voters to secure commitments from candidates to never compromise on Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and never sell out national interests to foreign powers.

He added, “You must ensure that they promise never to harm your democratic rights or human dignity under any circumstances.”

MSK/