Yunus reiterated the interim government’s full commitment to providing all necessary support to the Election Commission to guarantee a smooth electoral process.

Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, issued a strong warning about attempts by a certain group to derail the upcoming national election. Speaking on the occasion of ‘Student-People Uprising Day’, Yunus said that conspiracies were being carried out both from inside and outside the country, with the goal of obstructing democratic progress.

“A certain group is eager to obstruct the election process,” he said. “They are working from both outside and within the country, engaging in various conspiracies to derail our democratic progress.” Yunus called for nationwide vigilance to prevent these “defeated forces” from turning the election into a conflict.

He emphasised that the only way to permanently defeat such destructive elements is through the successful completion of a free, fair, and impartial election. “If we can successfully conduct a free, fair, and impartial election, the defeat of those destructive forces will be final.”

February 2026 Election Proposed

In a significant announcement, Yunus declared that the interim government would formally request the Election Commission to organise the national election in February 2026, prior to the start of the holy month of Ramadan. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 17.

“Now it is time for us to fulfil our final duty: holding the election,” said Yunus. “Following this address on this momentous day, we will enter the final and most important chapter of our responsibility. We will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government.”

He added that a letter would be sent to the Chief Election Commissioner on behalf of the interim government, officially requesting preparations to begin for the election.

Commitment to a Festive, Peaceful Vote

Yunus called on all citizens to support the election process and to pray for a peaceful outcome. He also laid out his vision for an election that would be remembered for its “celebratory spirit,” high voter turnout, and national harmony.

“From tomorrow, we will begin our mental and institutional preparations to ensure that this election becomes memorable in the nation’s history — for its joyous spirit, for peace and order, for voter turnout, and for the atmosphere of harmony and sincerity,” he said.

He reiterated the interim government’s full commitment to providing all necessary support to the Election Commission to guarantee a smooth electoral process.

Ensuring Inclusion: Youth, Women, and Expatriates

A significant portion of Yunus’s speech focused on inclusivity. He urged political parties to actively include youth and women in their election manifestos and policy plans.

“To the political parties, I urge you: in your election manifestos, in your promises and plans, make sure the youth are not left out. Make sure women are not left out,” Yunus said. He emphasized that the young men and women who have transformed Bangladesh have the potential to transform the world and must be given a platform through political participation.

He also revealed that the government would take steps to include expatriate voters in the election process, marking a new chapter in efforts to make the vote more inclusive and representative of all Bangladeshis, both at home and abroad.

New Technology for Citizen Participation

In an effort to enhance public engagement in the election process, Yunus announced the development of a new mobile application that will enable citizens to submit their suggestions, concerns, and ideas directly to the government.

“We are in the process of developing an app for this purpose, which will be launched soon,” he said. “Through this app, you will be able to share your suggestions, opinions, concerns, and initiatives with us. We will forward them to the appropriate authorities and take steps to resolve any issues.”

This move is part of a broader strategy to increase transparency and public trust in the electoral process.

Progress on Justice and Accountability

Addressing the issue of accountability, Yunus said that the trial of crimes against humanity committed in July and August was progressing “firmly and transparently.” The formal hearing phase has already begun.

“Those involved in the horrific massacres of history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country,” he stated, assuring the public that the entire process of justice would remain visible and transparent.

Yunus concluded his speech with a call for national unity and mutual respect ahead of the polls. He stressed that every citizen must be allowed to vote safely for their candidate of choice.

“Let us all respect each other’s choices — let that be our shared commitment,” he said.

The upcoming election in February 2026 will be the final act of the interim government’s tenure, which has promised to return the country to democratic rule following a turbulent period. Yunus’s speech has set the tone for what he hopes will be a historic and peaceful transfer of power.