Thursday, 16 October, 2025
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has firmly reiterated that the next national election will be held in February next year, dispelling widespread speculation about a possible delay.
“We have repeatedly said that the elections must be held in February—and they will be held in a festive mood,” he declared at a meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political parties on Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
The meeting was convened ahead of the signing ceremony of the July National Charter 2025, scheduled for October 17.
Professor Yunus, who also serves as chairman of the Commission, stressed that the upcoming election and the July Charter are inseparable parts of the ongoing reform process.
“The election is a key component of the July National Charter. These two are inter-related,” he said. “We must stand by the commitments we have already made. We will do everything necessary to make the election a truly festive one—and we will not compromise on this.”
Amid growing public uncertainty about the election timeline, the Chief Adviser emphasised the government’s determination to stay on course. “As the political parties jointly prepared the July Charter, it is now the government’s responsibility to ensure an inclusive and participatory election,” he said. “If we can achieve this, our collective efforts will be meaningful.”
On the issue of political transition, Professor Yunus assured that the caretaker government would proceed as agreed during national consultations. “We will move forward for a satisfactory transition as per your decisions,” he said. “It is our hope to transform your united efforts into reality.”
Leaders from several political parties attended the meeting, including BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, Nagorik Oikkya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, and JSD leader Tania Rab, among others.
Commission Vice-President Professor Ali Riaz delivered the welcome address, while Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar moderated the session.
Reflecting on the journey of the July Charter, Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to all political actors involved in drafting the document, calling it “a historic milestone for Bangladesh and a rare example in global political systems.”
“This is not only a remarkable achievement in Bangladesh’s history but also a significant event worldwide,” he noted. “It shows how dialogue and perseverance can overcome deep divisions.”
He personally thanked the participating political leaders, saying, “You have made the impossible possible. No one could imagine that the July Charter would come to fruition—but you did it.”
Professor Yunus also lauded the tireless work of the Commission members, particularly Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, in finalising the Charter. “The entire nation will remember your contribution,” he said.
He announced that the signing of the July National Charter on Friday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament would mark “a day written in golden letters” in the nation’s history, symbolising a new chapter in Bangladesh’s reform movement.
“This is not the end, but the beginning of many new chapters,” he added, revealing plans to ensure that the Charter’s core principles reach every level of society. “We will disseminate its essence across schools, colleges, and communities so that every citizen understands what it stands for.”
Professor Yunus said the pens used to sign the Charter would be preserved in a museum as a “national asset,” and that all records and debates of the Commission’s proceedings would be archived as part of Bangladesh’s political heritage through publications and video documentation.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Adviser invited all citizens to join in the upcoming ceremony, describing it as a national celebration.
“We will go together to the Parliament Plaza, sign the Charter in a festive spirit, and share this moment with the entire nation,” he said.
Comments
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has firmly reiterated that the next national election will be held in February next year, dispelling widespread speculation about a possible delay.
“We have repeatedly said that the elections must be held in February—and they will be held in a festive mood,” he declared at a meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political parties on Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
The meeting was convened ahead of the signing ceremony of the July National Charter 2025, scheduled for October 17.
Professor Yunus, who also serves as chairman of the Commission, stressed that the upcoming election and the July Charter are inseparable parts of the ongoing reform process.
“The election is a key component of the July National Charter. These two are inter-related,” he said. “We must stand by the commitments we have already made. We will do everything necessary to make the election a truly festive one—and we will not compromise on this.”
Amid growing public uncertainty about the election timeline, the Chief Adviser emphasised the government’s determination to stay on course. “As the political parties jointly prepared the July Charter, it is now the government’s responsibility to ensure an inclusive and participatory election,” he said. “If we can achieve this, our collective efforts will be meaningful.”
On the issue of political transition, Professor Yunus assured that the caretaker government would proceed as agreed during national consultations. “We will move forward for a satisfactory transition as per your decisions,” he said. “It is our hope to transform your united efforts into reality.”
Leaders from several political parties attended the meeting, including BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Matiur Rahman Akanda, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju, Nagorik Oikkya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, and JSD leader Tania Rab, among others.
Commission Vice-President Professor Ali Riaz delivered the welcome address, while Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haidar moderated the session.
Reflecting on the journey of the July Charter, Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to all political actors involved in drafting the document, calling it “a historic milestone for Bangladesh and a rare example in global political systems.”
“This is not only a remarkable achievement in Bangladesh’s history but also a significant event worldwide,” he noted. “It shows how dialogue and perseverance can overcome deep divisions.”
He personally thanked the participating political leaders, saying, “You have made the impossible possible. No one could imagine that the July Charter would come to fruition—but you did it.”
Professor Yunus also lauded the tireless work of the Commission members, particularly Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, in finalising the Charter. “The entire nation will remember your contribution,” he said.
He announced that the signing of the July National Charter on Friday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament would mark “a day written in golden letters” in the nation’s history, symbolising a new chapter in Bangladesh’s reform movement.
“This is not the end, but the beginning of many new chapters,” he added, revealing plans to ensure that the Charter’s core principles reach every level of society. “We will disseminate its essence across schools, colleges, and communities so that every citizen understands what it stands for.”
Professor Yunus said the pens used to sign the Charter would be preserved in a museum as a “national asset,” and that all records and debates of the Commission’s proceedings would be archived as part of Bangladesh’s political heritage through publications and video documentation.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Adviser invited all citizens to join in the upcoming ceremony, describing it as a national celebration.
“We will go together to the Parliament Plaza, sign the Charter in a festive spirit, and share this moment with the entire nation,” he said.
Comments
