Yunus reassures US on timely, free and fair polls as Bangladesh reels from political killings

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus -- File Photo

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday sought to project confidence about the country’s political transition during a phone call with Sergio Gor, even as violence and unrest continue to grip the country weeks ahead of the scheduled general election.

According to officials, Yunus spoke to Gor for about half an hour on Monday evening. The conversation covered trade and tariff talks with the United States, the proposed February 12 election, Bangladesh’s so-called democratic transition and the killing of young political activist Sharif Osman Hadi.

During the call, Yunus reaffirmed that elections would be held on February 12, despite the deteriorating security situation on the ground. “The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime,” he said, framing the interim government as a corrective force even as law and order remains fragile.

Election Will Be Held on Time, Chief Adviser Tells US Special Envoy DHAKA, December 22: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reiterated his commitment to holding general elections on February 12. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which…

— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) December 22, 2025

Bangladesh has seen a fresh spike in violence since Hadi was shot dead at close range on December 12. The unrest was compounded days later by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu youth, over alleged blasphemy. The incidents have raised serious questions about the interim administration’s ability to ensure basic security, particularly for minorities.

Despite these developments, Yunus told the US envoy that his government was prepared to manage any disruptions. He alleged that supporters of the ousted regime were spending millions of dollars to derail the electoral process and claimed that their fugitive leader was inciting violence from abroad. No evidence was publicly presented to substantiate the allegations.

“We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Yunus told Gor, a statement that contrasted sharply with the continuing political killings and mob violence reported across the country.

Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Yunus on Bangladesh’s recent tariff negotiations with Washington. According to the interim government, Bangladesh succeeded in bringing down US reciprocal tariffs on its goods to 20 percent. Gor also referred to the large funeral procession held for Hadi, describing it as a significant political moment.

Officials said the call was attended by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed.

While the interim government continues to make assurances to international partners, the gap between its rhetoric on democratic restoration and the reality of rising violence and instability on the streets remains stark.