Bangladesh Interim Government Confirms February Elections Following Hasina's Ouster

Preparations Underway for February Polls

Bangladesh is making extensive preparations to hold its 13th Jatiya Sangsad (parliamentary) elections in the first half of February 2026. This announcement comes from Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Head of Bangladesh's Interim Government, who confirmed that the administration is committed to ensuring 'free and fair elections'. The polls are slated to occur before the holy month of Ramadan.

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), AMM Nasir Uddin, has indicated that the exact election date will be disclosed approximately two months prior to the schedule. The Election Commission has already unveiled a roadmap outlining 24 priority tasks, including amendments to key electoral laws such as the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

Interim Government's Mandate and Formation

The current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was formed on August 8, 2024. This extra-constitutional administration assumed power following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread student and public protests. The interim government's primary mandate is to oversee the transition to an elected government and implement crucial reforms.

Lutfey Siddiqi, who holds the rank equivalent to a cabinet minister, reports directly to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. He emphasized the interim government's focus on reforms to ensure the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.

Background: The Ouster of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina's 15-year tenure as Prime Minister ended with her resignation and subsequent flight to India. Her departure was the culmination of the July Revolution, also known as the Student-People's Uprising, which began in July 2024. The protests were initially sparked by grievances over a quota system in public service jobs and escalated significantly following a violent crackdown by the then-government.

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, reported that the repression of these protests resulted in as many as 1,400 deaths in just 46 days, with the majority shot by security forces. The interim government has since initiated investigations into these alleged human rights violations and has banned Hasina's Awami League (AL) from contesting the upcoming elections.

Challenges and Hopes for a Democratic Future

The Election Commission acknowledges that restoring public confidence in the electoral system and encouraging voter turnout are significant challenges. However, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed his government's 'resolute' commitment to holding a 'free, fair, transparent, and festive' general election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently considered the frontrunner in the upcoming elections, with the interim government having lifted restrictions on opposition parties and allowing new registrations.

The period leading up to the elections is expected to be crucial for Bangladesh's democratic transition, with the interim government working to address institutional fragilities and ensure accountability for past events.