Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at separate meetings with three political parties today firmly reiterated that the national elections will be held within the first half of February in 2026 in a free, fair, and festive manner.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus made it clear that the elections will be held within the first half of February, a timeline he previously announced in an address to the nation. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam conveyed this information during a press briefing at the State Guest House Jamuna following meetings with the political parties.
The meetings were held with leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Professor Yunus emphasized that there is no alternative to polls, underscoring the interim government's main responsibility to organize a fair election in a free and peaceful environment. The Chief Adviser expressed his belief that this election will be one of the best in Bangladesh's history.
The political parties were urged to prepare for the election, with Professor Yunus warning that any deviation from this path could pose significant risks to the nation. The discussions were reportedly cordial, with political parties sharing their concerns and expectations regarding the upcoming elections.
During the meetings, Professor Yunus also addressed the upcoming Durga Puja, beginning in the last week of September, urging all political parties to remain vigilant to ensure no unrest arises during the celebrations. He sought cooperation from all parties to ensure a peaceful Durga Puja.
The meeting included prominent BNP leaders such as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, along with Jamaat and NCP leaders. Several advisers, including Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, were also present.
In related discussions, National Consensus Commission Vice President Professor Ali Riaz and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider briefed Professor Yunus on the progress of implementing the July Charter and shared political parties' opinions on it.
Lastly, addressing a query about the treatment of Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Shafiqul Alam stated that a special medical board has been formed for his treatment, with the government prepared to send him abroad for better care if necessary.