Bangladesh to Hold General Elections in April 2026 Amid Political Turmoil

Upcoming Elections in Bangladesh

The next general election in Bangladesh is scheduled for the first half of April 2026, as announced by Muhammad Yunus, the leader of the interim government, on Friday.

In a televised speech coinciding with Bakri Eid, Yunus stated that the Election Commission would reveal the election roadmap at a suitable time.

He emphasized that the government has engaged in discussions with various political parties to ensure that the upcoming elections are the most free, fair, and competitive in the nation's history.

In response to this announcement, the National Citizen Party, which is Bangladesh's first student-led political organization formed in February, expressed conditional support for the elections, stating they would not oppose them if necessary reforms and justice are implemented to guarantee a fair electoral process.

Akhter Hossen, the party's member secretary, insisted that reforms must be evident before the elections and called for a Constituent Assembly election to establish a new Constitution in line with national expectations.

Yunus, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, assumed his role as chief adviser of the interim government shortly after Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5, following extensive protests led by students against her Awami League administration.

Hasina, who had been in power for 16 years, faced significant backlash leading to her departure.

Yunus also mentioned that by the time the elections occur, there would be advancements in the legal proceedings against Hasina concerning allegations of crimes against humanity.

He expressed a desire for elections that honor the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy and ensure widespread participation from voters, candidates, and political parties.

On June 1, Hasina was formally charged in the International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the protests against her government in July and August.

She faces accusations of inciting mass killings during these demonstrations.