In a speech to the nation on Victory Day, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus outlined a timeline for the national election, stating it could occur between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026. Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of completing key reforms to ensure a fair election process. He added that if minor reforms, such as an accurate voter list, are prioritized, elections might be feasible by late 2025. However, incorporating recommendations from the Election Reform Commission and achieving national consensus on broader reforms could extend the timeline by another six months.

The Chief Advisor highlighted the interim government’s commitment to restoring the economy and improving living standards. He noted the economic challenges inherited from the previous regime, describing it as “devastated,” with foreign reserves dangerously low. However, reserves have now recovered to $19 billion, signaling initial economic stabilization. Addressing inflation concerns, he assured that efforts are underway to control the prices of essential goods during the upcoming Ramadan through increased supply, import duty reductions, and market monitoring. He also announced a 9% annual wage increase for garment workers, determined through discussions with unions and industry stakeholders.

Dr. Yunus discussed the interim government’s structural reforms, including the formation of 15 commissions, such as the “Disappearance Commission,” which recently submitted its first report. He warned the public that the report reveals harrowing accounts of brutality, describing it as a historical document of the previous regime’s atrocities. Many survivors, he noted, still live in fear and remain silent due to concerns about potential retaliation.

On political reforms, Dr. Yunus reiterated the formation of a “National Consensus Formation Commission” aimed at achieving agreements among political parties and stakeholders on key issues. He stressed that recommendations from the Election Reform and Constitution Reform Commissions will be critical in determining the timeline and preparation for the next election.

The Chief Advisor urged young, first-time voters to establish a tradition of near-100% participation in elections, believing this would safeguard democratic rights. He also underscored plans to enable expatriate Bangladeshis to vote for the first time, calling it a long-overdue step requiring a robust and reliable system.

Addressing economic recovery, Dr. Yunus mentioned that the government is working diligently to repatriate embezzled funds stashed abroad. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, such as unchecked middlemen activity and transport sector extortion, he remained optimistic about inflation control and market stabilization. He appealed for public and business community cooperation to ensure stable prices during Ramadan and warned of strict action against attempts to create artificial shortages.

Dr. Yunus concluded by urging unity, cautioning against the efforts of defeated forces who aim to undermine the country’s progress. He called on media and citizens to portray Bangladesh’s reality accurately to the global community and emphasized that no external force can derail the nation’s path if unity is maintained.