Dhaka, Bangladesh – The interim government of Bangladesh, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has announced that national elections might be scheduled by the end of 2025. This statement was made by Yunus in a televised address on Monday, underlining that the elections are contingent upon the execution of electoral reforms.
Since August, the country has been governed by this interim administration after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amidst widespread protests, eventually fleeing to India. Yunus, speaking on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, highlighted the prerequisites for holding elections.
“With political consensus and an accurate preparation of the voter list along with minor reforms, we could see elections by the end of 2025,” Yunus explained. However, he cautioned that further reforms might necessitate an additional six months, considering national consensus.
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General Waker-uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief, whose non-intervention during the student protests contributed to Hasina’s exit, had earlier in September told Reuters that the process to restore democracy should be completed within 12 to 18 months.
Yunus’s announcement comes in the context of significant political unrest, with opposition parties, notably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – one of the country’s two major political entities alongside the Awami League – pressing for elections to be conducted as swiftly as possible to bring back democratic governance.
The focus now turns to the electoral reforms and how quickly political parties can reach a consensus, as Bangladesh navigates its path back to democratic elections amidst this transitional period.
Key Points:
- Election Timeline: Bangladesh’s elections could be held by the end of 2025, according to the interim government leader.
- Electoral Reforms: Elections are contingent on the implementation of electoral reforms, with the possibility of delays if additional reforms are deemed necessary.
- Interim Government: Since August, Bangladesh has been under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, following the resignation of former PM Sheikh Hasina amidst mass protests.
- Political Consensus: Yunus stressed that elections would require political consensus and an accurate voter list.
- Military’s Role: General Waker-uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief, has indicated that democracy should be restored within 12 to 18 months.
- Opposition’s Stance: Opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, are advocating for elections to be held as soon as possible.
