Dr Yunus tells the UN: Bangladesh is preparing to hold national elections in February 2026

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus used his address to the 80th UN General Assembly to state that the interim government is preparing to organize national elections in February 2026, saying the vote will cap a year-long transition and lock in reforms aimed at transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

In his speech, Yunus framed the coming election as the next step of a citizen-centered reform drive launched after last year’s uprising. He said the administration has advanced a participatory reform agenda, including independent commissions on governance, elections, the judiciary, policing, anti-corruption, and women’s rights, and a cross-party National Consensus Commission that produced the “July Declaration” to keep reforms on track regardless of who wins.

He added that the government seeks broad international observation of the polls and that preparations are focused on a peaceful, credible vote.

On the UNGA sidelines this week, Yunus told visiting envoys that Bangladesh is ready for a February election and discussed election logistics and regional cooperation. He has also said publicly that the country is “stable enough” for the vote and that authorities are working with partners, including UN offices supporting the Election Commission, to ensure polling operations are in place.

Friday’s UN statement formalizes a timeline Yunus flagged earlier in August, when he said he would ask the Election Commission to set the election before Ramadan in February 2026, advancing an earlier plan for April. Domestic parties and international partners have pressed for an earlier date to sustain momentum in the transition; the Election Commission is expected to fix the exact polling day.

Beyond elections, Yunus highlighted priorities for the coming months: entrenching institutional checks on executive power, advancing justice and human-rights safeguards, and pursuing regional cooperation while seeking durable solutions for the Rohingya crisis.

Sources: The Business Standard, The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, Reuters, Associated Press