5 days Ago By Snehil Singh
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is currently heading the interim government in Bangladesh , has said that the country's next general elections may be held between late 2025 and early 2026. The announcement came during his national address on the 53rd anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War. "Election dates might be determined by the end of 2025 or within the first half of 2026," Yunus said.
Voter list update and democratic reforms: Key to elections Yunus emphasized the extensive work needed to update the voter list, which hasn't been updated in 15 years. He admitted that it would be a difficult task as voters didn't show up for the last three elections. The timeline for these elections is contingent on political party agreements and necessary democratic reforms.
"Throughout, I have emphasized that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election," Yunus said during his address. Interim government's role and Hasina's allegations The interim government was formed after a student-led uprising in August forced Sheikh Hasina 's administration to resign. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh since 2009, fled to India following the protests against her government.
On Sunday, Hasina intensified her criticism against the interim government, calling it "undemocratic" and "fascist," and accused it of backing extremist forces and obstructing public welfare. She alleged that Yunus's leadership aims to stifle the legacy of the Liberation War and the pro-liberation forces. India's engagement with Bangladesh's interim government Notably, last week, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh to discuss bilateral ties with the interim government.
It was the first high-level official visit since the interim government took over. The main challenge before Yunus and his team would be rebuilding democratic institutions in Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people..
