Addressing the nation in a televised speech, Yunus acknowledged the heightened interest around the election date.
“There is immense public and political interest regarding the timing of the election. As I’ve said before, it will be held between December and June. The government is working to ensure an environment conducive to a credible election within this timeframe,” news agency PTI quoted Yunus as saying.
Yunus, who assumed office following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August last year, emphasised the administration’s responsibility to oversee a transparent, peaceful, and inclusive vote.“Our goal is to prevent future crises. That requires institutional reform. Without ensuring good governance in the institutions directly linked to the electoral process, all the sacrifices made by students and citizens will be in vain,” the PTI report quoted the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner.
He reiterated the interim government’s three-fold mandate: reform, justice, and election. “We believe that by the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, we will reach a broadly acceptable position on reforms and justice, particularly in addressing crimes against humanity, as part of our collective duty to the martyrs of the July uprising,” the report added.
Meanwhile, opposition voices continue to grow louder. On May 28, the BNP staged a massive youth-led rally in Dhaka, drawing tens of thousands. The protest intensified pressure on the interim administration to accelerate the electoral timeline.
“The national election must be held by December. Preparations must begin immediately,” said BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, who addressed the crowd virtually from London.
While the Election Commission is yet to release a formal roadmap, Yunus assured the public that further details will be announced in due time.
