During his recent visit to Japan, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the schedule for the country's next national elections, targeting a timeframe between December 2025 and June 2026. This announcement comes amid mounting pressure from political parties and the military, who advocate for elections to be held by 2025.
Yunus, who assumed leadership following the upheaval that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, emphasized that the elections cannot proceed without essential reforms in Dhaka. Speaking to former Japanese Prime Minister and Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League President Taro Aso, Yunus stated, "The politicians are very impatient; they want to secure their positions quickly. I have assured them that the elections will take place around December 2025 or by June 2026 at the latest, depending on the pace of reforms."
His press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, reiterated this position in a briefing, explaining that Yunus has set a firm six-month window as a roadmap and has committed not to extend his tenure beyond June 2026. Alam also highlighted ongoing efforts under Yunus's interim government to stabilize Bangladesh's fragile economy and advance key economic, administrative, and legal reforms. Notably, preparations involving the Election Commission are underway to facilitate the upcoming polls.
Yunus's visit to Tokyo included participation in the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and bilateral discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, underscoring the international dimension of Bangladesh's electoral timeline and reform process.