National Election in Bangladesh Set for February 2026 – Chief Adviser

DHAKA CORRESPONDENT

In a televised address to the nation at 8:20 PM on Tuesday, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, prior to the holy month of Ramadan.

I have sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner on behalf of the interim government, requesting the Election Commission to make necessary arrangements to hold the national election in February 2026, he said.

The Chief Adviser urged the nation to pray for a peaceful and successful election. Let us all come together to ensure that the election is conducted in a festive, peaceful, and fair manner so that every citizen of this country can participate in building a ‘New Bangladesh.

We will provide all kinds of support to ensure that the election is remembered in our nation’s history for its festivity, peace, voter turnout, and spirit of harmony, he said, adding, “Starting tomorrow, we will initiate both mental and institutional preparation to make this possible.
Addressing the role of expatriate Bangladeshis, he said, We want to ensure voting rights for our expatriate citizens. Their historic contribution through remittances has played a pivotal role in reviving Bangladesh’s economy. The Election Commission is working to facilitate their participation.

Dr Muhammad Yunus further emphasized women’s participation in the upcoming election. “We will ensure that women can vote freely and joyfully across the country. We envision polling centres overflowing with enthusiastic female voters.”

Referring to the long-standing deprivation of voting rights, he stated, For the past 15 years, citizens have been denied their right to vote. This time, we want to reclaim that right and celebrate it as a festival of democracy.

He described the upcoming election as a momentous occasion for first-time voters and those who never had the chance to vote in previous years. “Among them will be new women and men voters, those who became eligible 15 years ago but never voted, those eligible 10 or 5 years ago who never had the opportunity, and those fortunate enough to gain eligibility this time and vote immediately.