Bangladesh to hold election in first half of April 2026

Bangladesh will hold its next national election in the first half of April 2026, according to an announcement made by interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus on Friday. The declaration follows almost two years of political unrest and the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.

The country has been under an unelected interim administration since August 2024, after mass protests—mainly led by students—forced longtime leader Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.

Yunus Promises Election, Not Interested in Running

Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, has been heading the transitional government. In a televised address to the nation, he stated: “After reviewing the ongoing reform activities, I am announcing to the people today that the next national election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026.”

He also confirmed that he is not affiliated with any political party and will not run in the elections. The Election Commission will soon release a detailed roadmap for the upcoming vote.

Rising Discontent and Political Pressure

Despite the transitional setup, Yunus’ administration has recently faced protests over low wages and controversial dismissals of public servants. Pressure had been building from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other groups, demanding that elections be held by December 2025 to avoid national instability.

BNP leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was acquitted in a long-standing corruption case earlier this year, is now eligible to contest the upcoming elections.

Hasina’s Party Barred

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party has been suspended from political participation. Last month, the Election Commission removed the party’s registration, citing ongoing national security concerns. The government had already banned all Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Hasina, once praised for economic development, was widely criticized for human rights violations and silencing dissent. Her controversial fourth-term win in 2024 was boycotted by the opposition, as many of their leaders were in jail or exile at the time.