Bangladesh to Hold General Elections Early Next Year: Yunus

Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, said during a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday evening that general elections in the country will be held early next year.

According to an official statement issued by the Office of the Chief Advisor, the 15-minute call was described as warm, pleasant and constructive, and focused on ongoing democratic transition, electoral reforms, bilateral trade and humanitarian cooperation.

Muhammad Yunus stressed that talks between his administration and major political parties are progressing and will pave the way for important political reforms. He said that the Election Commission is actively working to improve the electoral system.

He added that our youth will vote for the first time in their lives.

Secretary Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform initiatives and welcomed the announcement of elections.

The two leaders also discussed trade issues, including the finalization of an agreement to ease tariffs and expand economic ties.

Professor Yunus thanked President Trump for suspending reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods for 90 days and reiterated his commitment to negotiate a broader trade framework in line with US priorities.

In addition to economic issues, the leaders reviewed the humanitarian situation surrounding the Rohingya refugees. Yunus praised the United States for being a leading donor to the crisis since 2017 and expressed optimism about ongoing repatriation efforts in Myanmar.