Bangladesh’s Next General Election Likely In 2025, Says Interim Government Advisor

Bangladesh’s next general election is expected to take place in 2025, according to Dr. Asif Nazrul, an advisor to the interim government. Speaking on Saturday, Nazrul noted that while elections might happen within the next year, several key factors need to be addressed first. These include forming a search committee, establishing an election commission, and preparing the voter list. “If these conditions are met, the election could be held next year,” Nazrul said, adding that this was his initial assessment.

Nazrul also emphasized that the election’s timing would ultimately be decided by the chief adviser of the interim government, who has the sole authority to make the final announcement.

Bangladesh is currently in a politically volatile state following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 amid widespread protests. The unrest, initially sparked by students demanding the abolition of a government job quota system, quickly evolved into a nationwide anti-government movement. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh for India, remains there after leaving in a military aircraft.

In the weeks of protests, violence surged, with over 600 deaths reported, particularly among minorities such as Hindus. Following Hasina’s departure, Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of the interim government. The interim leadership has since expanded the powers of the military to maintain internal security during this turbulent period.