Dhaka, Sept. 16: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his interim government’s commitment to holding a free, fair, and transparent general election in early February next year, just before Ramadan.
Speaking at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka during a meeting with a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) led by Mounir Satouri, Yunus said the election would mark a “new beginning” for Bangladesh.
“We have already announced the timeline for the election. It will be held in early February, just before Ramadan,” Yunus told the visiting delegation, adding that public enthusiasm was surging, particularly among young voters.
Youth Engagement and Election Reforms
The chief adviser highlighted the resumption of student body elections in universities after decades, calling it a sign of democratic revival. Many students will vote for the first time in over 15 years, with Yunus expressing confidence in a record youth turnout at the upcoming polls.
He assured that the February election would be peaceful, clean, transparent, and festive, setting a new democratic standard for the country.
EU Support and Rohingya Crisis
The hour-long meeting also covered the interim government’s reform agenda, the European Union’s development support, and the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.
A Dutch MEP praised Bangladesh for “moving in the right direction,” while the delegation expressed optimism that the elections would be a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
Yunus thanked the EU for its steadfast support and urged increased funding for over one million Rohingya refugees, especially for reopening schools in camps shut down due to aid shortages.
Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy to the chief adviser, briefed the MEPs on recent labour reforms undertaken by the interim government.