On August 5, Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus announced its next general elections in February 2026. He made the announcement in a national speech marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising of 2024 . That upspring is the major protest movement led by students that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down.
Yunus, who took over as a chief advisor—leading the interim government of Bangladesh—said the elections will be held before the start of Ramadan, which is expected in mid-February 2026. The elections were earlier planned for April, but many political parties—including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—had asked for earlier polls. In his speech on TV and radio, Yunus said he would send a letter to the Election Commission asking them to prepare for the February election.
Yunus became the head of the caretaker government on August 8, 2024, just after Sheikh Hasina was removed from power. He has promised to step down after the elections and hand over the government to the newly elected leaders. “Now we are entering the final and most important stage: handing over power to an elected government,” he said.
What Was the July Uprising?
The July Uprising, popularly known as the July Revolution, started in July 2024, when students protested a job quota system introduced by the Awami League. Protests started as opposing this quota soon grew into a nationwide movement against corruption, unemployment, and government abuse. On August 5, 2024, protestors entered the Prime Minister’s residence, forcing Hasina to flee to India. Hundreds of people died during the uprising.
To mark the uprising, thousands gathered in Dhaka this week. The government declared a public holiday and organized rallies, concerts, and prayers.
The main highlight was the launch of the “July Declaration”—a 26-point document with reforms at building a fairer and more democratic government. The declaration was created with support from several political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP).
It strongly criticizes the 1972 Constitution and says past governments have failed to meet the people’s expectations. It also accuses Hasina’s leadership
Challenges Ahead to Conduct Elections
Although many people welcomed the election date, there are still challenges to fix. Earlier this year, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said elections should be held by December 2025.
The BNP had rejected the earlier plan for elections in June 2026, arguing the Ramadan month, school exams, and the rainy season would make it difficult. Their push for earlier elections helped lead to the schedule plan in February.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch (HRW), say that the interim government hasn’t done enough. HRW’s Asia director, Meenakshi Ganguly, said the hopes of those who died during the in uprising are still not fulfilled.
What’s Next for Bangladesh?
The government has begun investigation trials against people linked to violence during the July uprising, but still among people of Bangladesh, there is fear about military interference and pressure.
The election was a major step towards political stability. If elections are true and fair, they could lead to long-lasting changes and developments.
