As Bangladesh gears up for its next parliamentary election, a growing rift has emerged between the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over the timing of the polls, intensifying political uncertainty in the country.
Election Commission Ready, But No Formal Date Set
The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed its readiness to conduct the national election, expected before April 2026. However, no formal agreement has been reached between the government and the EC regarding the exact schedule.
BNP Pushes for Early Polls Before Ramadan
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, during a meeting in London with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, proposed holding the election before Ramadan 2026, which is expected to begin around February 17. The BNP had earlier demanded elections by December 2025, citing public sentiment and political urgency.
Yunus Government Open to Adjustment—With Conditions
Yunus reiterated his plan to hold elections in April 2026, but hinted they could be advanced by a week if judicial reforms and accountability measures are completed in time. Critics, however, accuse the interim government of delaying elections to extend its tenure.
Political Fallout and Reactions
- Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) have criticized the Yunus-BNP meeting, calling it a breach of neutrality and a deviation from democratic norms.
- The Awami League, ousted in 2024, has accused the interim regime of banning opposition voices and jailing over 100 MPs, casting doubt on the promise of a “free and fair” election.
What’s Next?
With voter lists under revision and reforms still underway, the EC remains focused on logistical preparations. However, the lack of a unified timeline continues to fuel speculation and political tension ahead of one of Bangladesh’s most consequential elections in recent history.
