Bangladesh Prepares for Historic Elections in December Amid Political Reforms

Dhaka, February 11, 2025 –Bangladesh is set to hold its first general elections in December 2025, following the political upheaval that saw the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This announcement was made by Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah, as the country’s interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, continues implementing electoral reforms and preparing for the vote.

The interim government took charge in August 2024, following the departure of Hasina amid widespread student-led protests demanding her resignation. Since then, the transitional authorities have focused on electoral reforms, which include the creation of a new voter list – a process that could take several months to complete.

“We must make preparations based on the earliest possible date for the election. Our position remains unchanged. We are preparing with December in mind,” Sanaullah said after a meeting with foreign envoys on Tuesday.

The new five-member election commission, which was appointed in November 2024, has already outlined plans for the upcoming elections. The interim authorities have emphasized that holding the elections is a top priority, and preparations are underway with December as the target date.

In previous statements, Yunus suggested that elections could take place by the end of 2025 or in early 2026, contingent on completing the electoral reforms, including the voter list update.

The reforms follow accusations that Hasina’s 15-year rule politicized key government institutions, including the Election Commission. A special commission on electoral reforms, which recently submitted a report to the interim government, alleged that the Awami League party had rigged the last three national elections.

Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Chairman of the National Election Monitoring Council, criticized the lack of opposition participation and the questionable quality of the last three general elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. He urged for elections to be organized as soon as possible, stressing that with goodwill from the authorities, a fair and timely election could be achieved.

“With the current political situation, if there is goodwill and good intentions from the authorities, nothing is impossible,” Kalimullah said.

As Bangladesh moves toward these historic elections, the country’s political future remains in the balance, with both challenges and hopes for a free and fair electoral process.