Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has declared that the country is now firmly preparing for a democratic, free and fair general election in early February 2026, signalling what he described as a decisive step towards building a just, inclusive and equal society while consolidating the nation’s democratic foundations.

In a powerful message marking Human Rights Day 2025, Prof Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, vowing to work “resolutely” with international partners and the United Nations system to fortify the country’s national human rights framework and engage meaningfully with the global community in advancing universal standards.

Prof Yunus said Bangladesh’s pledge is grounded in the belief that human rights must be upheld “as an article of faith”, asserting the dignity and equal worth of every human life without discrimination.

This year’s global theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”, resonates deeply in Bangladesh, which observes the Day just eighteen months after the youth-led “July Uprising”. Recalling that historic movement, Prof Yunus said people from all walks of life “rose against oppression and tyranny, defeating a fascist regime in pursuit of dignity and human rights”.

“A ‘New Bangladesh’ has emerged from this tumultuous period,” he said, noting that with overwhelming public support, the authorities have reinforced their commitment to justice, citing the recent verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh that convicted members of the deposed regime for crimes against humanity linked to the uprising.

Prof Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s “proud” record of acceding to all nine core international human rights treaties, most recently the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. He added that Bangladesh has also joined the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and all core ILO conventions, underscoring the nation’s commitment to labour rights and ethical workplace standards.

On the global stage, Bangladesh continues its active role in shaping international human rights norms as a member of the UN Human Rights Council. Prof Yunus said the country remains deeply engaged in efforts to address global crises that impede human rights, including conflict, humanitarian emergencies, climate change and forced displacement.

He reiterated Bangladesh’s steadfast advocacy for the persecuted Rohingya population, who remain unable to return to Myanmar even after eight years. Bangladesh, he said, continues to bear a significant humanitarian burden by providing temporary shelter while persistently urging global action—most recently at the UN High-level Conference on 30 September 2025.

Prof Yunus also condemned human rights abuses “anywhere in the world”, including in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming Bangladesh’s solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for statehood, justice and freedom.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced on Tuesday that the schedule for the 13th National Parliament elections and the accompanying referendum will be issued this week. He made the comments after a meeting with Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday afternoon.