Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has confirmed that Bangladesh's next national election will take place by June 2026.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Yunus stated that the precise timing depends on the scope of the reforms agreed upon by all political parties.
Should there be a consensus on a smaller set of reforms, he suggested the election could be brought forward to December this year.
"If we can focus on a smaller version of the reforms, then we will have an early election in December," he said.
However, he emphasised that the elections would not extend beyond June 2026.
Yunus reassured that the upcoming election would be the most significant in the country’s history, promising a process that would be both transparent and fair.
When asked about the potential participation of the Awami League (AL), Yunus noted that the party had yet to make an official declaration.
He explained that once AL provides its stance, the Election Commission and other factors, such as legal challenges from other parties, would need to be addressed.
Commenting on the interim government, Yunus observed that while some believe the "honeymoon period" is over, the interim setup continues to receive significant public support.
He pointed out that people have not demanded an immediate election, signalling a degree of trust in the current government.
On the subject of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's claim to being the "rightful" prime minister and her actions in India, Yunus stated that he had raised concerns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
He noted that while India’s stance on free speech is a matter for them, Hasina's speeches, which he claims incite unrest in Bangladesh, create significant problems for the nation.
When questioned about the potential political cover offered to Sheikh Hasina by India, Yunus clarified that Bangladesh had formally requested Zia’s return from India, though the Indian government had yet to respond.
He indicated that Bangladesh is awaiting legal proceedings and will continue to address the issue through diplomatic and legal channels.
In terms of foreign relations, Yunus defended his government's approach, stating that Bangladesh maintains strong ties with a variety of global powers, including the United States, China, and India.
He also shared his efforts to revive SAARC, noting that his recent visits to China and Malaysia were part of these efforts.
Despite a perceived cooling of relations with India, Yunus remained optimistic, calling it a temporary issue that will be resolved.
Lastly, Yunus addressed Bangladesh’s efforts to recover money laundered abroad, acknowledging the support from foreign governments in assisting Bangladesh’s asset recovery efforts.
