Election timeline set for February: CA Yunus

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that the upcoming national election is scheduled to be held in February next year. “We have declared the election timeline, and the polls will be organized in February,” he stated on Monday while speaking at an international dialogue on the Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that the country is currently in a stable condition and fully prepared to conduct the elections. “The nation is stable now, and we are ready for the election,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to international organizations for their continued support in addressing the ongoing Rohingya refugee situation.

The three-day international dialogue titled “Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the Rohingya Situation” began on Sunday at the Bay Watch auditorium of a hotel in Inani, Ukhiya. The event will continue until August 26. Dr. Yunus arrived in Cox’s Bazar around 10 a.m. on Monday to participate in the second day of discussions.

On the opening day, the government delivered a firm message, declaring that Bangladesh will no longer allow any new Rohingya refugees to enter the country.

Nearly eight years have passed since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state and sought refuge in Bangladesh. The refugee population has now exceeded one million. With over 180 million people already living in the country, this influx has placed significant pressure on Bangladesh’s resources and infrastructure. Officials reiterated that the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is now more urgent than ever.

Participants in the dialogue included ambassadors, international agency representatives, and leaders from political parties including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP. Around 100 Rohingya representatives were also present, making a strong appeal to the international community to step up efforts for repatriation. They called on Muslim-majority nations in particular to take a more active role.

Rohingyas living abroad also urged the international community to increase diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to ensure a sustainable and safe return.

In a related statement, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder reiterated the government’s commitment to repatriation. “The government is sincere about the safe return of Rohingyas. However, no one will be allowed to cross the border and enter Bangladesh anew,” he said.

He added that security forces are on high alert along the border to prevent any further influx. “This has already become a major crisis for us,” he noted.