Polls on any day in first half of April 2026: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has announced that the next national election will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026.

He made the announcement during a national address on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha at 7:00 PM on Friday (June 6).

At the beginning of his speech, the Chief Adviser extended Eid greetings to all.

The Chief Adviser said, “I know there is significant interest among political parties and the public about when the next national election will be held. I have repeatedly stated that the election will take place sometime between this December and June of next year. The government is working to ensure a conducive environment for elections within this period.”

He further said, “It is important to remember that the main reason why  Bangladesh plunged into deep crisis every time since independence is flawed elections. Through repeated attempts to monopolize power via defective electoral processes, a political party turned into a brutal fascist force. Those who organize such elections are branded as traitors by the nation. And the party that comes to power through such elections remains despised by the people.”

He added that a key responsibility of this government is to organize an election that is clean, festive, peaceful, and inclusive. “We want an election that prevents the country from falling into another crisis in the future. For that, institutional reform is crucial. If good governance is not ensured in the institutions directly involved in elections, all the sacrifices made by students and the general public will go in vain.”

The Chief Adviser continued, “Our mandate was based on three pillars—reform, justice, and election. Based on that, we believe we will be able to reach a broadly acceptable position on reform and justice by next Eid-ul-Fitr. In particular, we expect to see visible progress in the trials of crimes against humanity—our collective responsibility to the martyrs of the July uprising. With this, we will have fulfilled, at least partially, the mandate entrusted to us. Accordingly, and to ensure the most free, fair, competitive, and credible election in history, we have engaged with all relevant stakeholders. After reviewing ongoing reform initiatives related to justice, institutional reform, and the election, I now announce to the nation that the next national election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026. Based on this announcement, the Election Commission will provide you with a detailed election roadmap in due course.”

He concluded by saying, “We want an election that will bring peace to the souls of the martyrs of the uprising. We want the highest number of voters, candidates, and parties to participate in this election. Let it be remembered as the most free, fair, and impartial election in the nation’s history.”