EC will announce national polls roadmap in due time following CA’s declaration: Asif Mahmud

The Election Commission (EC) will announce the roadmap for the next national polls in due time, keeping in mind the April 2026 schedule outlined by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, said LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today (9 June).

"An election roadmap will be given by the EC in due time based on the date mentioned for the polls in the first half of April," he told reporters after exchanging Eid greetings in various areas of Muradnagar upazila in Cumilla.

Referring to speculation on social media regarding the polls, the adviser said, "When social media rumours make it into mainstream media, it becomes unfortunate for us as a nation. Some people do this with political motives."

Asif also addressed concerns raised over holding local government elections ahead of the national election. "It was said earlier that holding local government elections might delay the national polls.

"But since the chief adviser has already announced the time for the national election, there should no longer be any issue," he said.

"People are currently being deprived of basic services due to the absence of elected representatives in local government," he added, noting that there are several tiers in the local government system. 

"According to the government's decision, the Election Commission will be instructed to organise elections as required," he said.

Asif Mahmud also said, a group of people has humiliated his family over an incident in Chandpur. 

"I have spoken with the Information Ministry in this regard. As a common citizen of the country, I will take legal action against it," he said.

Earlier, on 6 June, Chief Adviser Yunus announced that the national election will be held any day in the first half of April 2026.

"Based on this announcement, the Election Commission will provide a detailed roadmap for the elections at an appropriate time," he told a televised address to the nation on the eve of the Eid-ul-Adha.

"I have repeatedly said this election will be held between December and June next year. The government is doing everything necessary to create an environment conducive to elections in the country during this period," he said.

BNP and several political parties, which have been demanding that the next parliamentary polls be held in December this year following quick reforms, have expressed heavy disappointment over the chief adviser's announcement.