Bangladesh elections expected between Dec 2025 and June 2026: Muhammad Yunus

Amid rising pressure on the interim government to hold general elections in the country as soon as possible, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus said on Thursday (May 29) that the general elections will be held between December 2025 and June 2026.

During his visit to Tokyo, the Nobel laureate also said that after an elected government assumes power in Bangladesh, he would return to his earlier work.

“Professor Yunus confirmed that general elections are scheduled to be held between December and June, after which he plans to return to his previous work once an elected government assumes office,” stated a post on the official X handle of the Chief Advisor of the Government of Bangladesh.

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BNP’s warning

The announcement comes a day after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held massive protest rallies in Bangladesh with the Acting Chairman of BNP Tarique Rahman making it clear to the interim government that elections must be held by December.

In a lengthy post on X, the BNP leader said that the electoral history of the country shows that “caretaker governments” in Bangladesh could hold national elections within three months.

“The precedent is clear: it can be done,” said the BNP leader adding 'the call to the interim government is simple: ensure that national elections are held by December'.

He further stated that if “anyone currently in power wishes to remain in governance, they must resign and seek a mandate through the people’s vote.”

Also Read: Bangladesh: BNP asks Yunus to hold polls by Dec, reform his Cabinet

Resignation buzz

The announcement comes at a time when Bangladesh has been abuzz with reports claiming that Yunus was keen on stepping down due to mounting pressure, public discontent and a lack of consensus among major political parties over key electoral reforms.

However, the Bangladesh Planning Adviser, Wahiduddin Mahmud, told reporters last week that Yunus never spoke of resigning.

"Yunus didn't say he will leave. He said that while we face many obstacles in carrying out the work and responsibilities assigned to us, we are overcoming them," Mahmud had told reporters at the advisory council meeting held on Saturday (May 24).