No extension beyond June 2026 for polls: CA 

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the next national elections in Bangladesh will be held no later than June 2026. 

He made the statement in an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday.

"If there is consensus on major reforms, the process may take longer. But if we prioritise a smaller set of reforms, elections could be held as early as December this year," Yunus said during the interview.

"We will not extend the deadline beyond June 2026." 

Yunus pledged that the upcoming polls would be the "best election in the country's history". 

When asked whether the Awami League, the then ruling party that was ousted in the wake of a student-led mass protest in July-August last year, would be allowed to participate, he replied, "We don't know yet. The party has not made any official declaration." 

He explained that the Election Commission and other stakeholders would assess the situation once political parties clarify their positions.

No public demand for immediate polls

Responding to questions about whether the interim government's "honeymoon period" was over, Yunus said people still support the caretaker administration. 

"No one is demanding immediate elections or urging us to hand over power right away," he added.