Bangladesh’s Election Commission has officially announced that the country’s next general elections will take place in the first week of February 2026, marking a crucial step toward democratic restoration following months of political turbulence.
Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin confirmed the timeline on Saturday, though he noted that the exact polling date will be revealed approximately two months before the scheduled elections. The announcement comes over a year after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced from power in August 2024 amid widespread student-led protests that ultimately toppled her government.
The country is currently operating under an interim administration led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who had previously indicated the same February 2026 timeframe for the electoral process. Yunus announced his intention to formally request the Election Commission to organize the polls “before the next Ramadan,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring a “memorable” election marked by “joy and celebration, peace and order.”
However, the Election Commission faces significant challenges in conducting what officials hope will be free and fair elections. Commissioner Nasir Uddin acknowledged the depth of public skepticism, stating that citizens have “lost confidence in the election system, the Election Commission and the administrative machinery involved in the electoral process.”
Speaking at a function in the northwestern Rangpur district, Uddin expressed concern about growing voter apathy, noting that “over the years, people have become disengaged from the voting process.” Despite these challenges, he assured that his office was working “tirelessly” to restore public trust and that all electoral procedures would “strictly follow the rules, regulations and laws.”
The commissioner also highlighted improvements in the country’s security situation, describing the current law and order as stable while pledging to enhance conditions further to ensure citizens can “vote peacefully and without fear.”
