DHAKA, Dec 16: Dr. Muhammad Yunus, head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh today said that the next general elections in the country are likely to be held between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026, after completing necessary reforms. Addressing the nation on Victory Day, Dr. Yunus explained that the precise timeline for the elections will depend on the recommendations of the Electoral Reform Commission and the Constitution Reform Commission, both of which are currently conducting evaluations.

The remarks came as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the major political parties in the country, has been increasing pressure on the interim government to set a clear election roadmap. BNP’s acting chairperson, Tarique Rahman, voiced concerns over the delay, questioning how many more months would be required for the interim government to carry out reforms. Rahman noted that the advisers’ somber response when asked about the election schedule indicated a disconnect with the people’s expectations.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin marked the 54th Victory Day by paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, placing a wreath at the National Memorial on the outskirts of Dhaka. The day commemorates Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistani occupation forces. Dr. Yunus and the President of Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta, also paid tribute by placing wreaths at the memorial.

In a gesture of solidarity, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh extended its greetings to the people of Bangladesh, highlighting the shared sacrifices made by the Mukti Joddhas and Indian soldiers in the fight for Bangladesh’s freedom.

On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani forces, led by General A. A. K. Niazi, surrendered to the joint Indian and Mukti-Bahini forces, marking the victory and the end of the war, with over 90,000 Pakistani troops being taken into custody.