Bangladesh's Yunus announces national elections in February 2026

DHAKA -- Bangladeshi interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he would write to the Election Commission to organize the general election in February 2026, before Ramadan, for the first time since a mass uprising toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

"On behalf of the interim government, I will write to the chief election commissioner, requesting that the Election Commission arrange the national election in February 2026, before Ramadan," Yunus said on Tuesday night in a televised speech to the nation marking one year of the July Uprising.

Bangladesh is entering "the final and most important phase," he said, adding, "We're beginning the transition towards handing over power to an elected government."

The month of Ramadan is set to begin on Feb 17 or Feb 18 next year.

Bangladeshi economist Yunus took oath as the head of the country's interim government on Aug. 8 last year. Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament on Aug 6, 2024, paving the way for the formation of the interim government.