- Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced elections could be held between December 2025 and March 2026.
- The timing depends on how quickly necessary reforms can be implemented.
- Yunus stated restoring law and order and fixing the economy are key priorities.
- Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is in exile, facing allegations of crimes against humanity.
- Uncertainty remains over Awami League’s participation in the upcoming elections.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has stated that Bangladesh’s general elections could take place between December 2025 and March 2026. The final date will depend on how quickly the interim government can implement essential reforms to ensure free and fair elections.
“If reforms can be done as quickly as we wish, then December would be the time that we would hold elections. If you have a longer version of reforms, then we may need a few more months,” Yunus told BBC in a recent interview.
Unexpected Leadership and National Priorities
Professor Yunus admitted that he was “dazzled” when he was asked to lead the interim government following the removal of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.
“I had no idea I’d be leading the government,” he said. He emphasized that his primary focus is restoring law and order and stabilizing the country’s struggling economy.
Hasina’s Exile and Ongoing Turmoil
Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh from 2009 until last year, now lives in exile in India. According to reports, she faces allegations of crimes against humanity. Her removal came after months of unrest, and her future remains uncertain as tensions continue to rise.
When asked about Awami League’s election plans, Yunus shared his thoughts. “They have to decide if they want to do it, I cannot decide for them. The election commission decides who participates in the election,” he said. His response left the decision squarely in the party’s hands.
A student-led uprising triggered Hasina’s downfall, accusing her government of human rights violations. Since then, thousands have flooded the streets, demanding her prosecution. Meanwhile, a Bangladeshi court issued a warrant for her arrest, but India has yet to take any action.
Addressing concerns over Awami League members’ safety, Yunus firmly defended the legal process. “There’s a court, there’s a law, there’s a police station. They can go and complain, register their complaint,” he stated. “You just don’t go to a BBC correspondent to complain; you go to the police station and see whether the law is taking its course.”
A Country Struggling to Recover
Yunus painted a grim picture of Bangladesh’s current situation. “The economy is shattered. It’s as if there’s been some terrible tornado for 16 years and we’re trying to pick up the pieces,” he said.
Following Sheikh Hasina’s removal, Bangladesh saw widespread unrest. “We are coming from complete disorder,” Yunus said, referring to last year’s violent protests. “People getting shot, killed.”
However, despite nearly seven months under the new government, many citizens claim that law and order have yet to be fully restored. “Better is a relative term,” Yunus remarked. “If you are comparing it to last year, it looks okay.”
US Cuts Aid to Bangladesh: What’s Next?
The recent decision by the US government to cut foreign aid to Bangladesh will have a major impact. Last year, the US committed $450 million in aid, making it Bangladesh’s third-largest provider of development assistance. Naturally, this decision has raised concerns about the country’s future development.
Despite this, Yunus remained calm and composed. “It is their decision,” he said. “It’s been helpful because they are doing things that we wanted to get done, like fighting corruption, which we couldn’t afford right away.” His words show a pragmatic attitude as he looks beyond the immediate setback.
When asked how Bangladesh would compensate for the loss, Yunus expressed confidence. “When it happens, we will make do.” This statement shows his strong belief in the country’s resilience. It reflects his optimism that, no matter what, Bangladesh will adapt and find ways to cope with the change.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh faces critical challenges. The interim government is working to reform the electoral system and stabilize the economy. With elections expected between December 2025 and March 2026, political uncertainty remains high. Ultimately, the future of Hasina and the Awami League’s role will determine the country’s path forward.