National elections in Bangladesh could take place by the end of 2025, interim government leader Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday, contingent on the completion of necessary electoral reforms.
Yunus, Bangladesh’s only Nobel laureate, has led the interim government since August, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid mass protests.
“If there is political consensus and the voter list is prepared accurately with only minor reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025,” Yunus said in a televised address.
Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, who played a key role in Hasina’s departure by refusing to support her during the deadly student protests, had earlier told Reuters in September that democracy should be restored within 12 to 18 months.
Delivering his remarks on the 53rd anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, Yunus emphasised that elections would only proceed after necessary reforms.
“If additional reforms are needed, and taking into account national consensus, it may take at least another six months,” the 84-year-old stated.
The opposition, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, one of the nation’s two dominant political forces alongside the Awami League, has been vocal in demanding elections as soon as possible.
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