Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus announced that the roadmap for upcoming elections will be swiftly unveiled once electoral reforms are finalized.

Addressing the nation in a speech broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and BTV World to mark the administration’s 100 days in office, Dr. Yunus declared, “The train of elections has started moving forward, and it will not halt.”

He, however, acknowledged a potential delay of a few months to accommodate necessary reforms, stressing that the timeline depends on how quickly a consensus among political parties can be reached.

Dr. Yunus reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections and transferring power to an elected government.

“We must complete several tasks during this journey. When this train reaches its final station depends on how quickly we can lay down the tracks, which will be done through the consensus of political parties,” he said.

The Chief Adviser revealed that the reform commissions are expected to submit their recommendations by December or January, which will then be finalized with input from all political stakeholders.

Dialogue with political parties is ongoing, and their perspectives are actively shaping government decisions.

He also highlighted the government’s proactive steps to facilitate the elections, including the imminent formation of the Election Commission, which will oversee voter list updates and preparations for a fair election.

Notably, the administration is exploring the possibility of enabling expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots for the first time.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that election management goes beyond forming an Election Commission. “Reforms in governance are one of the commitments of this administration, and you have entrusted us with this mandate,” he said, referencing the progress made by six reform commissions established by the government. Some commissions have even launched digital platforms for public participation, encouraging citizens to share their input.

The Chief Adviser urged the public to actively engage with these platforms as the government continues its efforts to create a conducive environment for credible elections.

The Chief Adviser encouraged the public to engage openly in discussions about elections, underscoring the importance of reforms.

“Reforms must not be overlooked in conversations about elections,” he stated. “They are the cornerstone of a nation’s enduring strength, opening doors for the youth to shape a brighter future. Let’s seize this opportunity for our country.”

Dr. Yunus highlighted that the recommendations from the Constitution Reform Commission—requiring consensus among political parties and citizens—are crucial for amending electoral laws.

He also noted that efforts to update the voter list would continue simultaneously.

“I cannot promise how much of the proposed reforms we will achieve,” he admitted, “but I assure you that, if given the chance, we will prioritize essential reforms before conducting the elections everyone is anticipating,” he said.

“In the meantime, I ask for your patience. Our goal is to establish an electoral system that serves as a model for future generations, preventing the cycle of political instability. For this, we need your trust and time,” he added.

He concluded by assuring that a roadmap to elections would follow swiftly once decisions on electoral reforms are finalized.

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