Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammed Yunus emphasised the importance of political consensus to move forward with elections….reports Asian Lite News
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday that Bangladesh’s next general elections could be scheduled between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. Yunus made the statement during his address to the nation on Victory Day, marking Bangladesh’s victory in the 1971 Liberation War.
Victory Day commemorates the moment on December 16, 1971, when General Amir Abdullah Niazi of Pakistan’s armed forces and 93,000 soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, marking the end of Bangladesh’s nine-month war for independence.
In his address, Yunus emphasised the importance of political consensus to move forward with elections. He said, “If political consensus allows us, again, to conduct elections based on accurate electoral rolls with a few reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025.” Yunus acknowledged, however, that additional time might be needed to implement the necessary reforms.
“And if we add to this the extent of reforms expected in terms of the electoral process and the Electoral Reforms Commission’s recommendations and on the basis another six months may be required,” he added.
Yunus clarified that the timeline for the elections could be fixed between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. “Roughly speaking, the timing of elections can be fixed between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026,” he stated.
His comments came amid political instability in Bangladesh. On August 5, a student-led movement ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge.
Meanwhile, Vijay Diwas celebrations in Bangladesh’s capital began with a 31 gun salute at sunrise. Six guns of an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army saluted the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War by firing 31 rounds of cannon.
India and Bangladesh will jointly commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas of the 1971 India-Pakistan war today, with the annual exchange of war veterans and serving officers.
Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Dhaka to commemorate Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations. Similarly, eight distinguished Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces also reached India to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata. (ANI)
Yunus makes no mention of Bangabandhu
Bangladesh marked its 54th Victory Day on Monday under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who made a pointed departure from tradition by omitting any mention of founding leader Mujibur Rahman in his speech. Instead, Yunus criticized the previous administration led by Sheikh Hasina, calling it the “world’s worst autocratic government” and emphasizing the significance of its recent ouster.
Victory Day, or Bijoy Dibosh, commemorates Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, following the Pakistan military’s surrender to Indian forces. While Rahman, known as “Bangabandhu,” is widely regarded as the independence movement’s iconic figure, Yunus’s interim government has faced criticism for sidelining his legacy. This includes plans to replace currency notes bearing Rahman’s image.
In his televised address, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices of millions during the Liberation War, including children, youth, and the elderly, but made no reference to the political leadership of 1971. Critics argue this is part of a broader effort to diminish Rahman’s contributions.
For the first time, the Victory Day Parade in Dhaka was canceled, attributed to logistical challenges with the army engaged in other activities. Instead, celebrations included Victory Fairs nationwide, showcasing art, crafts, agricultural products, and domestic goods, along with cultural programs involving schools, children, and communities. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farook-e-Azam said the new format aimed to foster public involvement and a festive atmosphere across the country.
East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta joined Yunus at the National Memorial to honor Liberation War martyrs, while Indian and Bangladeshi military veterans participated in cross-border commemorations.
Victory Day this year also highlighted the ongoing transition in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with Yunus’s interim government pledging electoral reforms and a fresh start for the country’s democratic processes.
ALSO READ: ‘Joy Bangla’ no longer Bangladesh’s national slogan
[soliloquy id="151345"]