Bangladesh Leaders Agree on Election Date Targeted for February 2026

In a crucial meeting in London on Friday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman reached an agreement that parliamentary elections could be held in mid-February 2026, just before Ramadan, provided all necessary preparations and reforms are completed by then.

This consensus marks a notable shift from the earlier proposal by the interim government to hold elections in April, and from the BNP’s demand to schedule polls by December 2025. Political analysts are calling the development a breakthrough, seeing it as a pivotal step toward restoring democratic stability in Bangladesh.

The meeting took place at The Dorchester hotel during Prof Yunus’s UK visit, lasting from 2 pm to 3:30 pm Bangladesh time. It was followed by a joint press conference attended by National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. Also present were Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Tarique Rahman’s International Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir.

During the conference, Dr Khalilur Rahman read a joint statement approved by both leaders. He explained that while the Chief Adviser had previously announced elections would be held by April 2026, an earlier date could be possible if preparations are on track and progress is made on justice and reforms. “If all goes well, elections could take place in the week before Ramadan,” he said.

Tarique Rahman expressed his support for the proposed timeline and thanked Prof Yunus for engaging in constructive dialogue.