Bangladesh is slated to hold its first national election since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in April 2026. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus confirmed on Friday that the polls would be held ‘in the first half’ the month — with the Election Commission set to outline a detailed roadmap in the coming weeks. The announcement also came days after the Bangladesh Chief Advisor revealed that he was mulling resignation as the “situation is such that he cannot work”.
The 15-year-rule of former Prime Minister Hasina ended abruptly in August 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising. The ousted leader — who fled to India amid the clashes — now faces trial in Bangladesh for mass murder and other crimes against humanity. The interim government has banned the Awami League party and it will be remain ineligible for the upcoming polls.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, headed by Hasina’s archrival and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, had been demanding the elections be held in December. Yunus had earlier said that the election would be held between December and next June. The relationship between Yunus and the BNP has been frosty in recent months over the disagreement about the election schedule. Zia’s party accused Yunus of following tactics to delay a vote.
(With inputs from agencies)