Bangladesh's interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus announced on August 5, 2025, that the country will hold its next national elections in February 2026. This will be the first general election since the mass uprising in 2024 that led to the resignation and exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus said he will formally request the Chief Election Commissioner to organize the election before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin in mid-February 2026. Yunus also emphasized that he intends to step down after the elections, marking a transition of power to an elected government.
The announcement was made on the first anniversary of the uprising, with Yunus highlighting the significance of this democratic milestone after years of political unrest and contested governance. The interim government aims to conduct free and fair elections, including provisions for expatriate voting for the first time.
This election is seen as a pivotal moment to restore constitutional governance following widespread protests, which escalated from demands over government job quotas to a broader movement against the previous administration’s policies.
The preparations include constitutional recognition of the 2024 uprising and reforms to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.