• Bangladesh will hold elections in February 2026, according to interim leader Muhammad Yunus.
• The elections are the first since the 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• Yunus emphasizes the need for a fair election and calls for the involvement of expatriate voters.
• The election date was revised from April to February to accommodate demands from key political parties.
• Yunus outlines a roadmap for democratic reforms and the transition to an elected government.

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has announced that the country will hold elections in February 2026, marking the first polls since the mass uprising that overthrew former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He made the declaration during a televised address commemorating the first anniversary of the uprising, indicating that the elections will be organized before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in mid-February. Yunus stated, "On behalf of the interim government, I will write a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting that the election be arranged before Ramadan," according to Dawn, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.

The announcement reflects a significant shift in Yunus's previous timeline, as he initially planned for the elections to take place in April 2026. This change was made after consultations with major political parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has pushed for a February election to ensure that the political process is inclusive. Yunus emphasized the importance of making these elections memorable, stating, "We will all begin mental preparation and institutional arrangements from tomorrow..." according to India Times, BBC, and TRT.

In his address, Yunus reiterated his commitment to a smooth electoral process, aiming to ensure that all citizens can participate in shaping the future. He stated, "I urge you all to pray for us so that we can hold a fair and smooth election, enabling all citizens to move forward successfully in building a 'New Bangladesh,'" further acknowledging the need for reforms in governance and promoting the involvement of youth and women in the political process. His speech also highlighted the "July Declaration," a document that sets forth proposed reforms in governance and recognizes the uprising's role in the country's political landscape, according to Anadolu Agency and Channel News Asia.

The political environment remains tense as Hasina, who faced accusations of authoritarianism during her tenure, is currently in exile in India and on trial for alleged crimes against humanity. Her political party, the Awami League, has been banned, raising concerns about the legitimacy of upcoming elections. Observers caution that without the participation of the Awami League, the electoral process might be questioned, as significant portions of the electorate remain loyal to the former ruling party. This backdrop compounds the challenges faced by Yunus's administration in restoring political stability, according to Dawn, South China Morning Post, and BBC.