Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, has indicated that the next national election might be held either in December this year or by mid-2026. On Saturday, January 4, he shared this possible timeline with British MP Rupa Huq. Dr. Yunus assured that the upcoming election would be completely free and fair.

Rupa Huq met with the Chief Adviser at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where they discussed various political issues, including the upcoming election and the recent people's uprising. Dr. Yunus remarked, "In the last three elections, people were deprived of their right to vote. There was a fake parliament, fake MPs, and a fake speaker. People's freedom of expression was forcibly taken away. Now, they have regained their voice."

During the meeting, Rupa Huq inquired about the probable election dates, the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government, and the process for political parties to participate in the elections. Dr. Yunus informed her that there are two potential timelines for the next election—one in December 2025 and the other in mid-2026. However, the exact date will depend on the extent of reforms the people demand.

Dr. Yunus also briefed Rupa Huq about the July uprising and the repression faced by the people during the tenure of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

After the meeting, Rupa Huq expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh as an observer for the next national election.

The meeting was attended by British Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director James Goldman.

Earlier, Rupa Huq, as part of a UK business delegation, met with Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser Lutfe Siddiqi, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashiq Mahmud Chowdhury, and SDG Senior Secretary Lamia Murshed to discuss trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

A delegation from the UKBCCI (UK Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry) is currently on a three-day visit to Bangladesh, led by UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmed and President MG Mowla Miah.

Lutfe Siddiqi urged UK-based investors, particularly those of Bangladeshi origin, to invest in Bangladesh. He highlighted that the interim government has undertaken extensive reform initiatives to attract direct foreign investment.