India has urged Bangladesh to hold early elections to affirm the people's mandate amid ongoing political uncertainty over the timing of the polls in the neighboring country.
Chief Interim Adviser Muhammad Yunus has announced that elections will be held between December 2025 and June 2026, emphasizing that his interim government will not extend its tenure beyond this period. However, there is rising demand from various stakeholders, including the military and political parties, for elections to be conducted sooner, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current government.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have consistently articulated that Bangladesh must ascertain the will of its people through an inclusive, fair, and free election at the earliest possible date." He further noted that the responsibility for governance and maintaining law and order lies squarely with the interim government.
Yunus Stands by 2026 Election Timeline
Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the election timeline, highlighting challenges around reforms. He remarked, "Politicians are eager to assume power quickly. I have assured them that elections could be held in December 2025 or, at the latest, June 2026. This depends on the pace of necessary reforms; delays in reforms could postpone elections."
Military Seeks Sooner Elections
Meanwhile, last week, the Bangladesh Army Chief expressed concerns over the country's political instability and advocated for elections to be conducted by December to restore order. He stated, "Bangladesh is currently facing a chaotic situation. The civil administration and law enforcement structures have collapsed and have yet to be effectively reconstituted."
The contrasting perspectives highlight ongoing tensions in Bangladesh's political landscape, as calls for early elections grow louder to establish stable governance.
