New Delhi: Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said the country could conduct national elections by the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026.
He also emphasised the interim government’s intentions to include Bangladeshi expatriates in the process for the first time by ensuring that they are able to cast their vote from abroad.
“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,” Yunus said while addressing the public on Victory Day observed on December 16.
He said that if the voter list can be accurately prepared with minimal reforms, then elections could take place in 2025. However, if broader reforms based on national consensus are implemented, the timeline could extend to the first half of 2026, the Daily Star reported.
“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. 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, adding that it was important to include all eligible voters, who came of age in this period, alongside the removal of duplicate entries from the list.
Yunus urged the election commission, political parties and social organisations to take initiatives to ensure 100% voter turnout among first-time voters, the report said. “If we can achieve this, no future government will dare to undermine the people’s right to vote,” Yunus added.
“From now on, the election commission holds the responsibility for forming the future government,” Yunus said.