Election could be brought forward to February, Khalil says after Yunus-Tarique meeting

Dhaka: Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus says if there is sufficient progress in reforms and trials, then the upcoming parliamentary elections can be held in February, ahead of Ramadan, instead of the April date that he had previously suggested.

He expressed the opinion in a joint statement following his meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on Friday, according to National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman.

During the "very cordial" meeting, Tarique proposed that the elections be held before Ramadan next year, a timeline that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also supports, said Khalilur.

“The chief advisor said that he had announced elections would be held by the first half of April next year. But, if all preparations are completed, the elections can be organised in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. In that case, it will be necessary to achieve sufficient progress on reforms and trials by that time,” he added.

Tarique welcomed the chief advisor’s position and expressed gratitude on behalf of the party, according to Khalilur. The chief advisor also thanked the BNP leader for the fruitful discussion, he said.