Polls late next year or early 2026

Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus Monday said the next polls could be arranged late next year or in the first half of 2026, amid politicians' recurrent call for an election roadmap.

"Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said in a televised address to the nation on the occasion of the Victory Day.

The head of post-uprising government mentions that he has repeatedly appealed to all about holding the polls after completing all major reforms, initiated through the formation of several commissions.

"However, if, and I repeat, "if", due to political consensus, we have to hold the election on the basis of a flawless preparation of the voter list with minor reforms, then it may be possible to hold the elections by the end of 2025," he said.

"And if we add to this the expected level of reforms in the electoral process and in the light of the recommendations of the Election Reforms Commission and based on the national consensus, then it may take at least another six months," said the Chief Adviser.

Dr Yunus mentions that the Election Commission has been formed with the Chief Election Commissioner and the new EC has taken office with a load of poll-preparatory work ahead.

"From now on, the responsibility has been entrusted to them to start the process of forming the future government. They have started their preparations. They have a lot of work to do," he said, highlighting the work to be completed before going the polls.

Dr Yunus said the biggest task is to update the voter list. "This is already a difficult task in nature. Now the task has become even more difficult because the voters did not have the opportunity to participate in the last three elections."

He reminds that no one has had the opportunity to verify the voting list.

"We have to make sure that the names of all those who have become eligible to vote in the last 15 years are included in the voters' list. This is a big task."

After the student uprising, there is no room for making any mistake as after a long time, many young people will vote for the first time, he said, adding that in the past, they were deprived of that right and joy.

"Therefore, their voting in this election will be a memorable event. All arrangements must be made to make this experience smooth," Dr Yunus said.

He said his sincere wish is that the young people who are first-time voters create a tradition by achieving nearly 100-percent turnout in this election.

He also said they must ensure that those whose names were supposed to be on the voter list are duly enlisted.

"Special attention must be paid to removing fake voters from the list," he added.

This time, Dr Yunus said, they want to ensure that expatriate Bangladeshis can vote.

"We have heard assurances about this many times in the past. We want to ensure that this is implemented for the first time during the tenure of this government," the CA said.

"A reliable system must be made for this. Everything is a time-consuming matter," Dr Yunus said.

"If we want to further improve the election process and implement the recommendations of the Election Reform Commission, then the Election Commission must be given time according to the breadth and depth of the necessary reforms," he said.

In his Monday's Victory Day address, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus also announced the interim government's plan to establish a National Consensus Commission as part of ongoing reform initiatives.

He said six reform commissions had already been formed under the interim government and were expected to submit their final reports soon.

"Based on these reports, we are moving forward to create a National Consensus Commission comprising the chairpersons of these six commissions," he added.

The commission will engage with political parties and other stakeholders to identify areas of national consensus and provide recommendations for implementation.

And "Given the importance of building a national consensus, I will serve as the chairperson of this commission."

He also announced that Professor Ali Riaz will serve as the commission's vice-chairperson. The commission will have the authority to co-opt new members, if necessary.

Dr Yunus expressed the hope that the commission would begin its work next month, after receiving the final reports from the six reform commissions.

Its initial task will be to establish consensus on urgent decisions required for the election process, including determining a suitable timeline for holding the polls through consultations with all stakeholders, he added.

The chief adviser said, "This commission will play a critical role in ensuring that the upcoming election is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, reflecting the aspirations of the people."

The Chief Adviser assured that Bangladesh Bank is fully prepared to ensure enhanced cash flow to banks across the country, enabling depositors to access their funds without any hindrance.

"No bank has been closed, and even the weakest institutions have been stabilised," he said on a note of reassurance in his Victory Day address to the nation.

Dr Yunus said that confidence and discipline are being steadily restored in the banking system, and announced that previous restrictions on cash withdrawals have been lifted, signalling a robust recovery within the banking sector.

The Chief Adviser highlighted the interim government's success in rebuilding trust in the nation's economic future, particularly with international financial institutions such as the World Bank.

These institutions are now engaging with renewed enthusiasm to establish fresh financial collaborations with Bangladesh, he said.

Referring to the economic challenges facing the interim administration upon assuming office, Dr Yunus said, "When we took charge, the economy was on the verge of collapse. Over the past four months, we have introduced significant reforms to change its trajectory."

He underlined the government's commitment to ensuring enhanced cash flow in crucial areas, which is expected to bolster public confidence and facilitate financial stability across the nation.

Reaffirming the incumbent government's commitment to fixing the economy, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus called for collective efforts to keep essential commodity prices stable during the upcoming Ramadan.

"We seek everyone's cooperation to ensure that prices remain manageable. We have already talked to businesspeople, and they have assured us that there will be no short supply (of commodities) in the market. If anyone tries to create an artificial crisis for excessive profit, we will take strict action against them," he said.

Dr Yunus highlighted ongoing initiatives to curb market syndicates, including plans to establish alternative agricultural markets.

"Over the past few months, the prices of certain goods have gone up. We are working to reduce prices by increasing supply, offering duty exemptions on imports, curbing middlemen's interference and enhancing market monitoring."

Acknowledging the persistence of extortion in the transport sector, Dr Yunus said, "We have not yet been able to completely stop extortion in transportation. If this issue is resolved, we hope prices will fall further."

Dr Yunus also focused on the economic challenges inherited from the previous "fascist regime," saying that the interim government is working to rebuild a devastated economy and stabilise forex reserves.

"In November 2024, export earnings rose to $4.12 billion, a 15.63% increase from the previous month. During the July-November period of 2024, total exports reached $16.11 billion, compared to $14.34 billion during the same period last year, reflecting a 12.34% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves have climbed to $19 billion," he mentioned.

The Chief Adviser went on to say, "These indicators show that our economy is beginning to recover and conditions are improving."

Prof Yunus acknowledged that inflation remains a pressing challenge and said, "The government is working sincerely to control inflation. Although we have not yet achieved the desired success, I am confident that inflation will soon come down."

Dr Yunus announced significant transparency measures in the ongoing trials of the deposed dictator and her associates, accused of atrocities.

He said, "To ensure transparency in the judicial process, trials have been made open to journalists, human rights activists, and other observers. Anyone interested can record any part of the proceedings."

He also said the trials are being conducted under revised laws of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) to uphold justice.

The accused have been granted the right to hire foreign lawyers and will have full opportunities to defend themselves, he added.

Highlighting international collaboration, Dr Yunus shared that ICC prosecutor Karim Khan recently met with him and agreed to provide training for ICT prosecutors and staff to elevate the tribunal to international standards.

The chief adviser said, "We also informed him of our plan to file separate cases at the International Criminal Court against the perpetrators of genocide for crimes against humanity."