Will write to CEC to hold election in February 2026: CA Yunus
"I will send a letter to the chief election commissioner, requesting the Election Commission to arrange the national election in February 2026, before the upcoming Ramadan," he said in a televised address to the nation.
Highlights:
- Election in February 2026, before Ramadan
- Expatriates to be able to cast votes
- Inflation expected to fall to 6% by December
- July Charter to be signed soon
- So far over Tk1,000 crore given to families of 775 martyrs
- Ctg port operations improved under Navy control
- Visa issues being resolved with other countries
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (5 August) announced that he will formally write to the chief election commissioner (CEC), requesting the Election Commission to hold the 13th parliamentary election in February 2026.
"On behalf of the interim government, I will send a letter to the chief election commissioner, requesting the Election Commission to arrange the national election in February 2026, before the upcoming Ramadan," he said in a televised address to the nation tonight, on the occasion of the July Uprising Day.
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The upcoming Ramadan is likely to start on 17 February 2026 -- subject to lunar sighting.
"I ask for everyone's prayers so that the election can be held smoothly, and all citizens of this country can move forward successfully in building a 'New Bangladesh'. On behalf of the government, we will extend all possible support to ensure that the election is free, fair, peaceful, and festive.
"We want this election to be memorable in our nation's history — in terms of joy and festivity, peace and order, voter turnout, and in terms of harmony and sincerity. To accomplish all necessary preparations, starting tomorrow, we will begin both mental and institutional readiness."
Yunus said the interim government wants to ensure that expatriate voters can also cast their votes in the upcoming election.
"A major reason behind how a completely devastated Bangladesh has managed to recover so quickly on the economic front is the historic contribution of our remittance warriors. The Election Commission is making preparations to ensure their participation in the upcoming election," he said.
"We also want to ensure that women voters across the country can cast their votes freely, joyfully, and without hesitation. We aim to make sure there's a large turnout of female voters at every polling centre, and we will take all necessary steps to make that happen.
"From now on, talk every day with people in your area — discuss what kind of arrangements would make the voting process smooth and festive. Let's decide ahead of time. This election will lay the foundation for building a new Bangladesh. Prepare for it," he addded.
The 35-minute speech started at 8:20pm and was aired simultaneously on Bangladesh Television (BTV), BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar.
'We hope inflation will come down to 6% by December'
Speaking about the country's economy, Yunus said, "Controlling inflation was our biggest challenge. Due to a fragile economy and floods, food inflation had reached nearly 14%. Now, it has dropped to half that. We hope it will come down to 6% by December."
"In June this year, the country's overall inflation rate fell to 8.48% — the lowest in the past 35 months. This marks the fourth consecutive month of a steady decline in overall inflation," he said.
He further said, "The confidence of expatriates in the interim government has also brought stability to the currency market. In the last fiscal year, a record $3.33 billion in remittances was sent through banking channels. Export earnings grew by nearly 9%.
"As a result, the taka has strengthened. For the first time in years, the exchange rate of the taka against the dollar is rising. In the past 11 months, $4 billion — the highest ever — was paid in interest and principal to foreign creditors. Even after clearing old dues, our foreign currency reserves are increasing. We hope this trend will continue in the future."
The chief adviser also said the interim government has taken steps to reorganise the management of Chattogram Port, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and boosting economic impact.
"As part of this initiative, the responsibility for container handling at the New Mooring Terminal has been handed over to Dry Dock Limited, a company operated by the Bangladesh Navy," he said.
He also stated that since Dry Dock Limited began operations, the port has already seen notable improvements. "In the first two weeks alone, an average of 225 additional containers were handled daily compared to previous figures."
Yunus said, "Modernising Chattogram Port will not only benefit Bangladesh's economy but also positively impact the economies of neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and others in the region. The mutual benefits are expected to enhance regional trade and cooperation."
Reforms and July Charter
The chief adviser said that reforms will bring dynamism to the economic sector, the judiciary, and public administration and significantly increase transparency and accountability, while reducing corruption, irregularities, and harassment.
"We had three main responsibilities: reform, justice, and elections. We formed several reform commissions. Many of the recommendations submitted by the key reform commissions have already been implemented within a short period," he said.
"In terms of reforms, we have achieved our goals. Under the leadership of the National Consensus Commission, and through continuous dialogue over an extended period, all political parties in the country have reached the final stage of formulating the July Charter... We hope that the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and reach an agreement on its implementation as well."
Yunus also said the July Charter will ensure the peaceful transfer of power in Bangladesh, the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, the genuine realisation of citizens' rights, and proper management of state resources and capabilities.
"We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be repaired in such a way that whenever signs of fascism are found anywhere, it can be immediately eradicated there," he added.
'Tk1,000 crore distributed so far for families of 775 martyrs'
The chief adviser said the government is working tirelessly for the martyrs and the injured of the July uprising.
"So far, bank cheques amounting to around Tk1,000 crore have been distributed to families of 775 martyrs in the form of savings certificates and monthly allowances. The process of providing savings certificates to the remaining families is underway, subject to the resolution of a few legal matters," he said.
"Additionally, a total of Tk1,530.4 crore in cash and cheques has been provided to 13,800 injured July fighters, categorised into three groups.
"Seventy-eight critically injured July fighters have been sent to Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Russia for advanced medical treatment, with approximately Tk1,000 crore already spent on treatment costs. Various initiatives are being taken for the rehabilitation of the injured through the coordinated efforts of all government ministries."
Expatriate issues
Yunus said the government is working diligently to resolve visa-related complications for expatriate Bangladeshis.
"The United Arab Emirates has resumed issuing visas for Bangladeshi citizens. For the first time, Malaysian authorities have introduced multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers. We are also working on how to reduce visa complications with other countries."
The government has begun preparations to send at least 100,000 young Bangladeshis to Japan over the next five years, he said, adding that special training and other necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate this.
"Additionally, we have taken initiatives to send skilled workers to countries including Italy, South Korea, and Serbia.
"For expatriates in countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman who had become irregular due to documentation issues, we have arranged for their regularisation. We are reviewing existing agreements with various countries to ensure they are more favourable and reassuring for our expatriate brothers and sisters," he added.
