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

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.

Based on lunar calculations, Ramadan could begin on Feb 18 next year.

Following the London meeting, the possibility has emerged that, if all preparations, including “reforms and trials”, are completed, the polls may be held about a week before that date.

Earlier, in a national address on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, Yunus had announced plans to hold elections in the first half of April, despite several political parties, including the BNP, calling for polls by December.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Advisor Khalilur said the Election Commission would soon announce the official date for the vote.

“In [Friday’s] joint statement, both sides made their positions clear. We hope the Election Commission will declare a date shortly,” he said.

When asked if they were satisfied with the possibility of bringing the election forward to February, both Khalilur and BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury replied affirmatively.

“We have always said not only before the election, but even after it, we must all work together to rebuild the country,” said Amir Khosru.

“Had we not been satisfied, we wouldn’t have issued a joint statement.”

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present at the meeting.