Dhaka, Sep 17 (V7N) – Chief Advisor to the interim government Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed that the upcoming national elections will be free, fair, transparent, and festive, and will be held in early February before Ramadan.

He made the assurance during a meeting with a delegation led by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Munir Satoury at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka on Wednesday (September 17).

“We have already announced the schedule for the elections. It will be held in early February, before Ramadan,” Dr. Yunus said.

The Chief Advisor noted that the resumption of student parliament elections after decades in some universities has revived enthusiasm, especially among young people. Despite attempts by some quarters to delay the polls, he said the interim government is determined to stick to the announced schedule.

Expressing optimism, Dr. Yunus added:

“The February elections will bring a new beginning for Bangladesh. It will add a new chapter to our history—a new journey for the nation.”

During the hour-long discussion, both sides exchanged views on the government’s reform initiatives, the EU’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transformation, and the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.

Members of the European Parliament praised the government’s progress. One lawmaker called the interim administration’s efforts over the past 14 months “extraordinary,” while a Dutch MEP remarked that Bangladesh was among the few countries where the situation is “moving in the right direction.”

Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude for the EU’s support and sought greater assistance for the 1 million-plus Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, stressing the urgent need to reopen schools in the camps that had closed due to lack of funds.

Meanwhile, Lutfe Siddiqui, Special Envoy to the Chief Advisor, highlighted the government’s labor reforms, saying they would further strengthen Bangladesh-EU relations.

END/SMA/AJ