We congratulate Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on his timely, appropriate, and clear guidance to the nation during his Victory Day speech. At a time when questions were being raised about the interim government's reform plans and the holding of elections, his address was very well-thought-out.

Prof Yunus addressed the issue of inflation, noting how challenging it has been to tackle due to the actions of the previous regime during its 15-year tenure. As more details have emerged about the former regime's activities—including the vast amounts of wealth it laundered abroad—the fragile state of the economy has become increasingly apparent. He also underscored the importance of holding those responsible for the July-August killings accountable. While emphasising the need for justice, he stressed the importance of ensuring transparent and fair trials to avoid any doubts about the integrity of the justice process.

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Yunus indicates election by late 2025 or mid 2026

Regarding reforms, the chief adviser expressed optimism that various commissions would deliver their recommendations on time. He specifically updated the public on the Election Commission, which has already begun preparations for the next elections. Prof Yunus voiced his dismay over how countless young people were denied their voting rights in the past three elections. To address this, he highlighted the need for an accurate voter list to restore citizens' right to vote. Additionally, he announced plans to create a mechanism enabling Bangladeshis living abroad to participate in the elections—an initiative long discussed but never implemented.

Prof Yunus urged all stakeholders to grant the government sufficient time to implement reforms aimed at improving the electoral process. He suggested that elections could be held by late 2025 if the voter list is accurately prepared with minimal reforms. However, if broader reforms requiring national consensus are pursued, the timeline could extend to the first half of 2026. Given that the Election Commission has already been empowered to prepare an accurate voter list and oversee election reforms, we recommend that elections be held by late 2025 or early 2026, as this aligns with the traditional election timeline in Bangladesh.

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Reform the system, politics will fall in line

Ultimately, only an elected government can provide long-term stability for the nation. Prof Yunus has outlined a clear timeline for the next elections and has rightly emphasised that this timeline should be determined through political consensus. To that end, he announced the formation of a crucial commission, which he will personally lead, to foster consensus on reforms.

The Jamaat-e-Islami has already expressed its position regarding the timeline, and we hope other parties will also follow suit. We call on all political parties, citizens, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the interim government in reaching a political consensus on reforms and the election timeline, prioritising the nation's interests above all else.