Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in a nationally televised address on the occasion of July Uprising Day, announced that next national election will be held by February 2026.
“I will formally request the Election Commission to hold the national polls ahead of Ramadan, in February 2026,” he declared, pledging to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election in which expatriates will also be able to participate.
Yunus paid deep tribute to the “martyrs of July,” hailing the students, workers, and citizens– particularly women– who stood fearlessly against tyranny and freed the nation from 16 years of fascist rule. He emphasised that the sacrifices of July were the foundation for today’s democratic transition and vowed that “never again will Bangladesh endure such oppression.”
“Let the faces of those whose fresh blood won us back this most precious right appear before our eyes in the very moment we cast our vote,” he said.
Chief Adviser said: February is not far away. As we prepare for the election, the voting day will be upon us. For many years, none of us were able to vote. This time, we will all vote. No one will be left out. Let each of us be able to say: “I cast my vote to set the nation on the path to building a New Bangladesh. It was with my vote that the country began its journey forward.”
He reminded that every major conflict and incident of violence in the country’s history has stemmed from flawed elections. “The July Uprising has shown us the ultimate consequence when any party forcibly seizes power through a defective election.”
“We do not want to repeat any of the shameful chapters of history,” he said.
The Chief Adviser also reminded that there is a group eagerly waiting to obstruct the election. They are conspiring both from abroad and from within the country to derail our democratic progress.
“We must ensure that they are given no opportunity to turn the election into a conflict. Keep in mind, the defeated forces will repeatedly try to resurface until the election. But once a free, fair, and impartial election is successfully held, their defeat will be final.”
To gather continuous feedback on election-related matters, he said: We will use technology. For this purpose, we are developing an app that will be launched soon. Through this app, you will be able to share all your suggestions, opinions, concerns, and initiatives with us.
“I also call upon political parties to ensure that young people are not excluded from your election manifestos, pledges, promises, and plans. Nor should women be left out. Remember, the young men and women who changed Bangladesh have the power to change the world as well,” he said urging “initiatives within your parties to give them that opportunity.”
“In the upcoming election, everyone must be able to safely vote for the candidate of their choice without dispute. Let us pledge to respect each other’s choices.”
