Election Set for Early April 2026, CA Announces 'New Bangladesh' Vision

Interim government's Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has announced that the national election will be held in the first half of April 2026. He made this announcement in a speech to the nation at 7 PM on Friday (June 6).

The Chief Advisor stated, "We have discussed with all parties to organize a free, fair, competitive, and acceptable election. Additionally, after reviewing the ongoing reform activities related to justice, reforms, and elections, I declare to the countrymen today that the next national election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026. Based on this declaration, the Election Commission will provide you with a detailed election roadmap at an appropriate time."

He said, "We want an election that will satisfy the souls of the martyrs of the uprising, that will bring peace to their souls. We want the maximum number of voters, candidates, and parties to participate in the upcoming election. Let this election be remembered by the nation as the most free, fair, and impartial."

Dr. Yunus added, "After a decade and a half, a truly representative parliament will be formed in the country. A large group of young people will have the opportunity to vote for the first time in their lives. We are committed to the nation to take all necessary steps to achieve these goals."

He urged the countrymen, "You must extract specific pledges from all political parties and candidates in your areas that they will approve the consensus reached on reform issues in the first session of the next parliament without any cuts or alterations."

"You must obtain a promise that they will never compromise on the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity of Bangladesh, and will not sell out the country's interests to any foreign power. You must get a specific commitment from them that they will never, under any circumstances, infringe upon your democratic rights and human dignity."

The Chief Advisor said, "You must obtain a pledge from them (electoral candidates) that they will govern the country with complete honesty and transparency, and will completely distance themselves from all anti-people activities such as corruption, politicization, tender manipulation, syndicate activities, extortion, terrorist activities, and so on."

He further stated, "This election is not just about holding a peaceful election. It is an election to build the 'New Bangladesh,' the aspiration of the student-people's uprising. The familiar parties will be there in this election. Their familiar symbols will be there. But voters must discern how prepared the candidates behind these symbols are to build a 'New Bangladesh' and how committed they are."