National Desk:

The government has reiterated its commitment to holding the next parliamentary elections in February 2026, following an emergency meeting of the Council of Advisers chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) in Dhaka.

Law Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul announced the decision during a press briefing at the Karabi Hall of the CAO after the meeting. He said the Council reaffirmed its stance that the elections would take place in the first half of February 2026, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring a timely and transparent electoral process.

According to Dr Nazrul, the meeting’s primary agenda included finalizing the July National Charter (constitutional amendment) Order proposed by the National Consensus Commission, organizing a national referendum, and determining its content. The session, he said, focused on aligning these reforms with the broader political roadmap agreed upon during months of dialogue among political stakeholders.

The Law Adviser noted that the Council of Advisers expressed its gratitude to the Consensus Commission and all political parties for their sustained efforts in building agreement on critical reform measures. However, he added that the Council also acknowledged the emergence of disagreements among political parties over the timing and subject matter of the proposed referendum.

“The meeting expressed concern about these differences,” Dr Nazrul said, stressing that a unified approach is essential to maintaining political stability and advancing the reform process. He stated that the Council emphasized the urgent need to reach a final decision regarding both the timeframe and the content of the referendum, particularly in relation to issues outlined in the July Charter.

In addressing the ongoing divisions, the Council urged the allied political forces involved in the anti-fascist movement to engage in fresh discussions and offer consolidated recommendations to the government within the next seven days, if possible. This, the advisers noted, would help ensure coherence in policy and facilitate smooth preparation for both the referendum and the upcoming polls.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the briefing. They reiterated that the government remains focused on maintaining political consensus and administrative readiness ahead of the election.

Officials indicated that further discussions will be held among political stakeholders and constitutional experts to resolve remaining differences over the referendum’s structure. The referendum is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the constitutional framework under the July National Charter, which aims to institutionalize the reforms agreed upon during the post-uprising transition period.

The reaffirmation of the February 2026 election date is seen as a crucial step toward restoring public confidence and stability following months of political negotiations. Government sources said preparations for electoral logistics, voter list updates, and administrative coordination are already underway, with the Election Commission expected to release a detailed schedule in due course.