National elections in Bangladesh could occur by the end of 2025, pending the completion of essential electoral reforms, interim government leader Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday.
Yunus, the country’s sole Nobel laureate, has headed the interim administration since August following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid widespread protests.
In a televised address, Yunus stated, “If political consensus is reached and the voter list is prepared with only minor reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025.”
General Waker-uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief who was instrumental in Hasina’s departure by refusing to back her during violent student protests, had earlier indicated to Reuters that democracy could be restored within 12 to 18 months.
Speaking on the 53rd anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, Yunus stressed that the timeline for elections depends on reform progress. “If additional reforms are necessary, and with national consensus, it may take at least another six months,” he added.
The opposition, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—a major rival to the Awami League—has been pushing for elections to be held at the earliest opportunity.
