Jamaat-e-Islami expresses satisfaction over the proposed April 2026 election date announced by Chief Advisor

People’s News Network (PNN): Following the announcement by Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus regarding the tentative timeline for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed satisfaction, stating that the declaration has reassured the nation. The party also conveyed hope that the government will take necessary steps to hold a free, fair, and participatory election within the announced time frame.

In a statement issued on Friday night, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said: “The announcement that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in the first half of April 2026 has brought reassurance to the nation.”

He further added: “The nation expects the government to take all necessary steps to ensure that a free, fair, neutral, and acceptable election is conducted within the declared timeframe.”

Earlier on Friday evening, Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus addressed the nation and said: “After reviewing the ongoing reform efforts related to justice, governance, and elections, I hereby announce that the next national election will be held on a day in the first half of April 2026.”

Since December, Dr. Yunus had consistently stated that the timing of the election would depend on the progress of institutional reforms. He previously said that with minimal reforms, elections could be held by December; however, if more reforms are required, the timeline could extend to June 2026. Nevertheless, he made it clear that elections would not be delayed beyond June.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman held a press conference and suggested that elections should ideally be held by mid-February 2026, just before the holy month of Ramadan. However, he added: “If for any reason that is not possible, then under no circumstances should the election go beyond April.”

In Friday’s statement, Shafiqur Rahman reiterated: “The nation strongly desires that the interim government, based on the three key mandates of reform, justice, and elections, and through the formulation and implementation of the ‘July Charter’, will successfully restore Bangladesh to a healthy and democratic political trajectory.”