In a long-anticipated address to the nation, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that the 13th National Parliamentary Elections will be held in February 2026—before the beginning of Ramadan. The announcement comes on the first anniversary of the historic July Uprising, which brought an end to the 17-year rule of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.
In his televised speech broadcast simultaneously by BTV, BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar at 8:20 PM Tuesday, the Chief Adviser stated that the interim government will officially propose the election timeline to the Chief Election Commissioner, urging the commission to begin preparations for holding the polls in early February.
“Today, on this historic day, we enter the final and most important chapter of our responsibility—handing over power to an elected government,” said Yunus. “We now begin the transition that will return this nation’s leadership to its people.”
Earlier in the day, Professor Yunus read out the Declaration of July at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to three core goals: reforms, justice, and a credible national election.
The announcement fulfills a major demand of the opposition, particularly the BNP, which has been pushing for elections since the formation of the interim government on August 8 last year. Yunus had met with BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on June 13, after which a joint statement declared that elections would be held between February and April 2026. Today’s speech narrows that window and gives the clearest signal yet that the election will be held in the first half of February.
Professor Yunus called on the public to prepare for what he envisions as a historic celebration of democracy. “We want this election to be remembered for its festivity, peace, participation, and mutual respect,” he said. “Let us begin mental and institutional preparations from tomorrow.”
Describing the upcoming polls as an “overdue festival,” Yunus highlighted how millions of citizens have been deprived of their voting rights for over a decade and a half. “There will be voters who were eligible 15 years ago but never got the chance to vote. There will also be new voters—young women and men—who have just earned that right and will now exercise it joyfully.”
He expressed hope that families would treat election day as a national celebration: “Go to the polling booths with your children. Let this be a day to remember for generations.”
The speech marks a decisive turning point for the interim government, signaling its readiness to conclude its mandate and facilitate the return to a democratic political order. The Chief Adviser ended his speech by seeking prayers and cooperation from all citizens to ensure a peaceful and joyous transition.
