Bangladesh interim government head signals possible early election

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim leader signalled on Friday the possibility of holding a national election in February next year, two months earlier than previously announced.

Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel peace laureate who has led an interim government since August, was responding to a suggestion from Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who urged the vote be held before Ramadan, which begins in mid-February 2026.

Yunus responded positively, saying an election could be held in the week before Ramadan if sufficient progress was made on political and judicial reforms.

The comments came in a joint statement released after the two men met in London.

Yunus, currently on a visit to Britain, last week said the election would be held by the first half of April 2026.

However, pressure has been mounting from opposition groups for an earlier vote, with the BNP warning of public unrest if elections were delayed beyond December.

Yunus’ administration, which came to power after deadly student-led protests forced then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, has recently faced growing discontent.

BNP chief Khaleda Zia was acquitted in January in a long-running corruption case, clearing her path to contest the upcoming election. Rahman is Zia's son.

Meanwhile, Hasina's Awami League party has been effectively sidelined after its registration was suspended by the Election Commission and its activities banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act.