Voters cheer polls announcement

After a long time, the people of the country are now eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights through the 13th parliamentary election announced to be held in February 2026.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has put the election train on track through the announcement of holding the next general elections in February. The chief adviser on Tuesday made the announcement while addressing the nation.

People from different walks of life are happy with the announcement as Dr Yunus officially set the stage for a transition from the interim government to an elected one.

People of the country did not have a proper election for over 15 years due to three farcical elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024. These three so-called elections have resulted in a young generation that has not been able to vote in any real elections.

Against this backdrop, Dr Yunus’s announcement has sparked widespread public response across the country, including the Bangladeshi expatriates living in various countries of the world.

People from all walks of life, including students, professionals, businessmen and labourers, have welcomed the decision of the government. They expressed their hope for a more stable and democratic future through the upcoming elections.

“I am very happy for the announcement of holding elections next February,” said Azharul Islam Muzahid, a student at Pacific States University, USA.

Expressing his optimism, he said, “We need honest political leadership. In the past, we saw that the political leaders had prioritised power over people, betraying the ideals of our independence. We were deprived of voting rights. Now we are getting a chance.”

Md Wasiul Islam, a software engineer at MelioraWeb, also welcomed the move. “As a software engineer and a citizen of the country, I believe that further delays could have sparked unrest. This timely decision helps prevent political instability in Bangladesh,” he said.

Monnujan Khan, a student at North South University, highlighted the fragile political climate, saying, “The country is becoming increasingly unstable, with constant clashes between parties. An election may not solve everything but it could help stabilise the situation, even if it doesn’t fulfill Dr Yunus’s vision entirely.”

Niloy Ahmed Munan, a student from the University of Rajshahi, echoed the call for swift elections.

He said, “I am very satisfied with the announcement. The interim government hasn’t fully met our expectations. That’s why the election should be held without delay.”

Mohammad Ibrahim, a rickshaw puller in Dhaka also emphasised the importance of an election within a short time.

“The sooner the election is held, the better for us. The current security situation is poor. Once an elected government is in power, we hope the situation will improve.”

Prominent academic Professor Dr Mohammad Golam Rabbani of Jahangirnagar University offered a pointed observation.

He stated, “For the current interim government, the election is a safe exit. There is little more it can do. Now, the only expectation is that it ensures a participatory, safe, neutral and transparent election and peacefully transfers power.”

As the countdown to the February 2026 election begins, voices from across society appear united in one message and that is a fair and timely election is essential for restoring trust, ensuring stability and moving Bangladesh forward.