DHAKA – Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that national elections could take place by the end of 2025, contingent upon the completion of critical electoral reforms and political consensus.
In a televised address marking the 53rd anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, Yunus stated, “If there is political consensus and the voter list is prepared accurately with only minor reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025.” However, he noted that further reforms, if deemed necessary, could push the timeline by at least six more months.
The interim administration has been in power since August, following mass protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India. The transition was largely influenced by the stance of the military, with Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman refusing to support Hasina during the violent student-led demonstrations. In September, General Zaman expressed hope for the restoration of democracy within 12 to 18 months.
Meanwhile, opposition groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have been urging the interim government to expedite elections to restore democratic rule. The Awami League, previously led by Hasina, remains a major player in the country’s political landscape.
The timeline outlined by Yunus underscores the interim government’s emphasis on ensuring transparency and fairness through reforms before conducting the polls. However, political analysts warn that prolonged delays could further exacerbate tensions in the politically polarized nation.