Summary:
- Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus announced that Bangladesh’s next national elections could be held by late 2025 or mid-2026, depending on reform implementation.
- .- The timeline is contingent on recommendations from the Electoral and Constitution Reform Commissions, which are currently under evaluation.
- Yunus emphasized the need to update the voter list, which has not been verified for over 15 years, to include all eligible voters and remove duplicates.
- He also highlighted plans to enable Bangladeshi expatriates to vote for the first time, aiming for a historic voter turnout.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has announced that the next general elections could take place by late 2025 or early 2026. Yunus made this statement during a televised address on Victory Day, emphasizing the need for comprehensive electoral and constitutional reforms before setting a definitive election date. This announcement comes amidst heightened anticipation for a democratic transition following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
In his address, Yunus highlighted that the timeline for elections hinges on the recommendations of the Electoral Reform Commission and the Constitution Reform Commission, both of which are currently evaluating necessary changes to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. “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 stated. He suggested that elections might be feasible by late 2025 with minimal reforms, but broader reforms requiring national consensus could delay them to mid-2026.
A critical task outlined by Yunus is updating the voter list, which has not been verified for over 15 years due to voter non-participation in recent elections. He stressed the importance of including all eligible voters who have come of age during this period while removing duplicate entries. “The task is more challenging this time because voters did not participate in the last three elections,” he noted. Yunus also underscored the significance of first-time voters, particularly young individuals who have been previously deprived of their voting rights. He urged political parties and social organizations to ensure maximum voter turnout among this group, stating, “Their participation will make this election a historic and memorable event.”
Another key aspect of Yunus’s vision is granting voting rights to Bangladeshi expatriates for the first time. Despite repeated promises in the past, this initiative has yet to materialize. Yunus called for establishing a reliable system to facilitate expatriate voting, reflecting his government’s commitment to inclusivity in the democratic process.
The Election Commission, now under new leadership, has begun preparations for the polls. Its primary focus is updating the voter list and implementing reforms based on recommendations from various commissions. Yunus reiterated that these efforts are essential for restoring democratic institutions in Bangladesh after years of alleged political manipulation under Hasina’s administration.
The announcement follows significant political upheaval earlier this year when mass protests led by students forced Sheikh Hasina to step down after allegations of election rigging and human rights abuses during her 15-year tenure. Hasina fled to India following these events, leaving Yunus to lead a transitional government tasked with rebuilding trust in democratic governance.
Yunus acknowledged that achieving consensus among political parties on reform measures remains a challenge but emphasized its importance for creating an electoral system that can stand as a model for future generations. “Reforms are the long-term life force of a nation,” he said, urging patience as his administration works toward a sustainable democratic framework.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape as it seeks to rebuild its democratic institutions while addressing long-standing issues such as voter disenfranchisement and electoral transparency. The proposed timeline reflects Yunus’s cautious approach to ensuring that necessary reforms are implemented effectively before holding elections.
Source: The Daily Star