Yunus reassures EU delegation of free, fair polls in February

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus reiterated today that the interim government is committed to ensuring an open, fair, and celebratory general election in early February next year, ahead of Ramadan.

The statement came during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), led by Mounir Satouri.

“We have already outlined the election schedule. It will take place in early February, just before Ramadan,” Yunus said, noting growing public interest—particularly among the youth—as student union polls have resumed in universities after decades in some cases.

He described the February polls as a “new chapter” for Bangladesh, emphasizing that the vote would be peaceful, transparent, and festive. He expressed hope that record numbers of young people would participate, many casting their ballots for the first time in over 15 years.

The discussions with the MEPs also touched on the interim government’s reform measures, the EU’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s development and democratic journey, and the challenges of the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

European lawmakers voiced optimism, saying the upcoming election could mark a turning point for the nation. A Dutch member remarked that Bangladesh appears to be “moving in the right direction.”

Yunus thanked the EU for its continued backing and urged additional support for over one million Rohingya refugees, highlighting the urgent need for funding to reopen schools in the camps that were recently closed due to financial shortages.

Lutfey Siddiqi, the chief adviser’s special envoy, also briefed the visiting delegation on recent labour reforms introduced by the interim government.