Dhaka, Aug 06 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for national unity and caution to prevent anti-democratic forces from disrupting the upcoming general elections. Speaking during a televised address to the nation on July Mass Uprising Day at 8 PM on Tuesday (August 5), Yunus warned that elements defeated by the July Movement may attempt to undermine the democratic transition.

“Care must be taken to ensure that the defeated forces do not get any opportunity to make the elections controversial,” said Dr. Yunus. “They will try to raise their heads repeatedly until the elections. But if the elections are organized successfully, these evil forces will be defeated permanently.”

The Chief Advisor also emphasized the need to safeguard the electoral process from both domestic and foreign interference. “A group is waiting to disrupt the elections. They are engaging in various evil attempts—both from inside and outside the country—to hinder the nation’s democratic progress,” he stated.

Election Date Proposal Before Ramadan

In a significant announcement, Dr. Yunus declared that the next national elections will be held before Ramadan 2026, suggesting February 26, 2026, as the proposed date.

“On behalf of the interim government, I will officially send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting that the national elections be organized before the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.

As per astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. This implies that the elections are likely to take place in early February, aligning with public expectations and political discussions over the past months.

Backdrop of the Announcement

Speculation about a February election date had intensified following Dr. Yunus’s June meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, where the issue of election timing was reportedly discussed. With today's announcement, the public now has clarity on the interim government's timeline.

Dr. Yunus’s address was part of nationwide observances marking the first anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, which led to the fall of the previous regime and ushered in the current transitional government.

END/RH/AJ