National polls could be in Dec: Yunus at Govts Summit
Newly formed National Consensus Commission, chaired by the chief adviser, will begin work on Saturday
The national election in Bangladesh could be held in December, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said today (13 December).
Speaking at an interactive plenary session at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 in Dubai, Yunus indicated that the election would be held as soon as possible, saying, "probably in December this year."
The session was moderated by Becky Anderson of CNN at the WGS Conference Venue.
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Yunus's announcement came shortly after the Cabinet Division issued a notification confirming the formation of a seven-member National Consensus Commission. The commission, headed by Yunus himself, is tasked with reviewing and adopting recommendations submitted by six reform commissions.
The commission's formation is seen as part of ongoing efforts to address key issues in governance and ensure a fair electoral process.
Responding to a question during the session, Yunus said that the interim government's priorities include maintaining law and order and rebuilding the country, society, and institutions, which he claimed had completely collapsed under Sheikh Hasina's previous autocratic government.
The chief adviser reached Dubai last night to take part in the World Governments Summit. Minister of Sports of the United Arab Emirates Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi received him.
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on 5 August in the face of mass upsurge.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th National Parliament on the following day and an interim government headed by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus was formed on 8 August.
Since then, major political parties, including the BNP, have been urging for the election date to be announced to facilitate the transition to an elected government.
However, the interim government stated that it will first implement reforms across various sectors before conducting the election.
To this end, the chief adviser, on 11 September last year, announced the formation of several reform commissions aimed at rebuilding the country.
During a televised speech to the nation last 16 December, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus said the next national election is likely to be arranged at a time between the end of 2025 and halfway through 2026.
