Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will announce the date for Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election after making necessary reforms, according to his press wing.
The statement was made on Sunday (24 November), during a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
The press conference was attended by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Mojumdar and Apurba Jahangir, and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi.
When questioned about a recent comment by an advisor in London suggesting that the election could take place in mid-2026, Apurba Jahangir clarified, "As of now, neither the chief adviser nor his office has declared the election date. The actual date will be announced by the chief adviser himself. Any other remarks should be regarded as personal opinions, not concrete decisions."
At a recent conference in the UK's House of Lords titled "Bangladesh: Crisis in Democracy and Human Rights", Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain stated that the current government is planning to hold free and fair elections by mid-2026, as part of broader reform initiatives.
He emphasised the vital role of international cooperation in ensuring the success of this election.
The conference was organised by Voice for Bangladesh, with Alexander Charles Carlile, a member of the House of Lords, presiding over the event.
The discussion, moderated by the organisation's founder, Ataullah Faruk, featured contributions from UK Minister Paul Scully and international human rights activists.
Sakhawat Hossain highlighted the suppression of opposition parties, human rights violations, and widespread public discontent during Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged tenure.
He remarked that Hasina’s departure on 5 August prevented the country from descending into further chaos.
“Had Sheikh Hasina not left the country on 5 August, the situation could have become far worse. Enraged citizens might have torn her apart, which would have been detrimental to the nation,” he asserted.
