'Impatient Politicians': Muhammad Yunus Sets June 2026 Deadline For Bangladesh Polls Amid BNP Pressure

As Bangladesh faces mounting domestic pressure for early general elections, interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus has set a final deadline of June 2026 for the next national polls, citing the pace of ongoing electoral and governance reforms as the determining factor.

Speaking in Tokyo during an official visit to Japan, Yunus addressed the growing impatience among political factions and the public. “When elections take place, an elected government takes over responsibility and we hand it over to them,” he said, as quoted by The Dhaka Tribune.

“People are insisting to tell them when the elections would be because the politicians are very impatient, to get to their seats of power. So I have been promising them for some time. It could be in December this year or at the latest June of 2026," he added.

Chief Adviser looks forward to meeting with Japanese PM

Tokyo, 29 May 2025: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Thursday that he was looking forward to his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to extend the ongoing collaboration between the two… pic.twitter.com/17vZQ7dLR7

— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) May 29, 2025

'Earliest Possible Date Was December 2025'

Yunus clarified that while December 2025 is the earliest possible date, the reforms currently underway will ultimately dictate the final timeline. “If the reforms are slow and accomplish little then we have a longer time. And the longer time cannot continue endlessly. Must finish it up by June 2026,” he said, as quoted by the publication, outlining a six-month flexibility window.

The reform process, spearheaded by his interim administration, is aimed at rebuilding public trust in the electoral system, which has come under scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Yunus emphasised that the government is focused on delivering substantial change rather than rushing to the ballot box.

BNP Demands December Polls, Warns Against Delay

Meanwhile, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has intensified its demand for polls to be held by December 2025. Massive rallies were staged across the country, with thousands gathering in Dhaka to call for the restoration of what they described as “the political rights of the youth”.

I often make a point that bears repeating: reforming individual mindsets is far more important than reforming texts or institutions on paper. After all, the constitution of North Korea proclaims the country to be the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.” The words may be… pic.twitter.com/Jz8AGQxYJf

— Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) May 28, 2025

BNP’s acting chairperson Tarique Rahman voiced strong criticism of the interim government. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Reforming individual mindsets is far more important than reforming texts or institutions on paper... it is adherence, not articulation, that defines democratic integrity.”

"The people of Bangladesh deserve better. We seek a nation free from authoritarianism, led by a government elected through a fair vote, and accountable to its citizens. The call to the interim government is simple: ensure that national elections are held by December," he added.

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