Key Points

Bangladesh's interim government has confirmed that elections will be held by February 15, 2026. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that differences among political parties won't affect the schedule. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus warned that any attempt to delay elections would be disastrous for the nation. The country faces political uncertainty since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government last year.

Key Points: Bangladesh Interim Govt Confirms Election by February 15 2026

  • Interim government confirms election deadline despite political disagreements
  • Press Secretary warns against attempts to derail electoral process
  • Muhammad Yunus emphasizes no alternative to scheduled elections
  • Political parties divided over timing and reform implementation
3 min read

Bangladesh election will be held by February 15: Interim govt

Bangladesh interim government Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announces elections will proceed by February 15, 2026 despite political party disagreements over timing and reforms.

"There is no possibility of postponing the election. Any ill attempt to disrupt this process will not succeed - Shafiqul Alam"

Dhaka, Sep 12

Amidst a growing rift among political parties in Bangladesh over the holding of next year's election, Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of the interim government, announced on Friday that the polling will be held by February 15, 2026.

Addressing reporters in Sreepur Upazila of Magura district, he stated that elections will be held as per the schedule set by the interim government despite the clash of opinion among political parties. “If there is a party, there will be differences of opinion. Otherwise, why are there different parties? If you are like me, then you will join my party. That is why there will be differences of opinion within the political party. But we are saying again, the elections will be held by February 15,” Bangladesh’s leading Bengali daily Jugantor quoted the Press Secretary as saying.

Reiterating that the elections would be held on time, Alam warned against any attempt to derail the electoral process. “There is no possibility of postponing the election. Any ill attempt to disrupt this process will not succeed,” he asserted.

“This election will not only determine the future of governance but will also lay the groundwork for subsequent elections and the overall political system of Bangladesh,” he added.

Earlier this month, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, emphasised that the February 2026 general elections must proceed as scheduled, warning that any attempt to derail or delay the democratic process could pose a serious risk to national stability, according to local media reports.

Addressing a press briefing, Alam confirmed Yunus’ remarks during separate meetings with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party (NCP) at his official residence, Jamuna, in Dhaka. “There is no alternative to election. If anyone thinks of any other alternative, that would be disastrous for the nation,” Alam quoted Yunus as saying, The Daily Star reported.

The remarks came amid major differences among the political parties over the timing of the polls and implementation of reforms. Both Jamaat and NCP have called for the implementation of the July Charter before holding the election, while BNP insisted that the election must take place within the announced timeframe, leaving no room for delay.

Bangladesh has been gripped by uncertainty over the next general elections since the democratically-elected government of Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was overthrown during violent protests last year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a neighbor, we want to see Bangladesh prosper with peaceful elections. Political stability in our region benefits everyone. Good to see the interim government taking a firm stand.
M
Michael C
The mention of Jamaat-e-Islami is concerning. Hope Bangladesh maintains its secular character and doesn't give space to radical elements in the political process.
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Anjali F
While timely elections are important, I hope they ensure free and fair process. The interim government must guarantee level playing field for all parties, not just the big ones.
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Suresh O
Bangladesh has come a long way since independence. Hope they don't go back to political instability. Elections must happen on time for economic progress to continue 💪
K
Kavya N
The reference to "July Charter" reforms is interesting. Hope they find middle ground between electoral timeline and necessary reforms. Democracy is about compromise after all!

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