Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has confirmed that the country’s next general election will be held in early 2026, as part of its ongoing democratic transition.
He made the statement during a phone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday evening.
Speaking on the progress of political dialogue and reforms, Dr. Yunus said that ongoing discussions between the interim government and political parties aim to restructure the political system to reflect the aspirations of the people.
“Our Election Commission is working tirelessly to rebuild the electoral process that was severely damaged by the previous government,” he noted. “This time, many young citizens will vote for the first time in their lives.”
The 15-minute call, held at 7:30 PM Dhaka time, was described as warm and constructive by both sides, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Dr. Yunus invited Secretary Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the election to witness the country’s democratic transformation.
“Your presence would inspire our youth and reaffirm the value of democratic participation,” he added.
Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening economic ties and advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to USPresident Donald Trump for responding positively to Bangladesh’s request to suspend tariffs for 90 days.
He also noted that both sides are working to finalize a new trade initiative aligned with USeconomic objectives.
The Chief Adviser concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued USsupport in Bangladesh’s democratic journey and expressed hope that the renewed cooperation would open further avenues for development and stability.
