Bangladesh interim leader, Mohammad Yunus, announced on Tuesday that the parliamentary elections in Bangladesh will be held in February next year. As the country marked a year since a student-led uprising led to the ouster of former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, Yunus spoke in a televised address, requesting the election commission to organise the elections before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

For the next year, Ramadan will begin on February 17 or 18th, depending on when the new crescent moon appears.

On Tuesday, the interim leader marked the uprising anniversary by saying its spirit would build the future of the South Asian nation’s democracy. However, there was an outcry in this public event against the interim administration’s failure to restore order and bring political stability to the country.

International media further reports that thousands of exultant Bangladeshis gathered in the capital city of Dhaka on Tuesday for rallies, concerts and prayer sessions to mark the first anniversary of the deadly protest that led to the former Prime Minister fleeing to India.

Roadmap for Democracy

These series of events are to culminate in a declaration that will set the roadmap for democratic reforms in the political journey that began from an uprising by economics and repression. The aim is to build a Bangladesh into a complete democracy with the help of an interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Mohammad Yunus.

“Together, we will build a Bangladesh with tin will never rise again… Fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active,” said Yunus, as he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the uprising. According to him, fair, peaceful and transparent elections could be held early next year to mark the return of a full democratic rule. This can end an uncertain time of mounting pressure as the growing labour unrest continues.

The interim government leader also urged people to unite and protect the gains of the uprising while his government holds reform talks with political parties and civil society.