By Dr. Mohsin Ali The forthcoming election scheduled for February 12 has generated widespread political excitement, speculation, and, in some quarters, unrealistic expectations. Contrary to popular belief and campaign rhetoric, this election is not intended to change the current interim government, nor will it result in the immediate formation of a new cabinet, prime minister, or parliament. Any such expectation is not only misplaced but directly contradicts the legal and constitutional framework set forth by the state.
According to the Government Gazette proclaimed in November 2025, the February 2026 election is a transitional and constitutional process, not a conventional general election. It is designed to restructure the state through popular consent, rather than transfer executive power.
Core Purpose
This election serves three clearly defined purposes, none of which include forming a new government or replacing the current interim government:
1. Referendum Approval of the July Declaration
The first objective is to secure public approval—through a referendum mechanism—of the July Declaration, a political and constitutional instrument intended to counterbalance and supersede the limitations of the existing constitution. This declaration emerged directly from the July Movement and represents a foundational mandate for systemic reform.
2. Election of a People’s Assembly, not a Parliament
Voters will elect a People’s Assembly, not a Parliament. This distinction is critical. The People’s Assembly will not exercise legislative authority over governance, nor will it appoint a prime minister or ministers. Its role is strictly constitutional.
This makes the February vote fundamentally different from all previous national elections in Bangladesh.
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3. Constitutional Reform and Drafting of a New Constitution
Once elected, the People’s Assembly will function as a Constituent Assembly, tasked with:
• Debating and approving constitutional reforms
• Drafting a new constitution
• Completing this process within an estimated 6 to 12 months.
Only after the new constitution is approved and comes into force will a fresh parliamentary election be conducted. That subsequent election—not the February 2026 vote—will determine who forms the government.
Until then, the interim government will continue to rule Bangladesh with limited and constitutionally defined authority.
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Winning An Election Does Not Mean Forming A Government
This reality has been formally acknowledged by the interim administration led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Under his leadership, the election is explicitly designed to ensure constitutional reforms and political balance, not executive turnover, keeping the Bangladesh Awami League out of elections and all political activities.
Dr. Yunus’ Special Assistant, Prof. Ali Riaz, has confirmed that the forthcoming constitution will include a provision described as “Constituent Assembly Time.” Under this framework:
• Any governing authority prior to constitutional adoption will have limited powers
• The primary responsibilities will be:
o Passing the new constitution
o Ensuring immunity for those involved in the July Movement
o Legalising all judicial and administrative actions taken during the interim period
o Conducting state affairs transparently and justly in their own ways.
Thus, winning the vote in February does not equate to assuming state power.
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Political Misconceptions And Dangerous Illusions
Despite the clarity of the Government Gazette and repeated official statements, some political actors and supporters continue to promote the illusion that victory in the February 2026 election will allow them to:
• Form a government on February 13, 2026
• Assume the offices of Prime Minister and Ministers
• Control the executive branch.
These expectations are a myth.
Those who campaign or vote under this assumption will inevitably face disappointment and political disillusionment. The legal reality is unambiguous: no government will be formed after this election.
Role Of July Movement In The New Political Landscape
The July Movement remains the central driving force behind the current political transition. It is this movement that reshaped the political environment, leading to the exclusion of the Awami League from the electoral process and opening space for alliances such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party or other coalitions to potentially secure a majority within the People’s Assembly—not within a governing parliament.
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However, even a numerical majority in the People’s Assembly does not translate into governing authority. The constitution-making process, not executive control, remains paramount.
A Transitional Vote, Not A Power Transfer
In essence, the February 12 election is one step in a longer constitutional journey. It is a vote about:
• State reconstruction
• Legal legitimacy
• Constitutional renewal
It is not a contest for power, offices, or ministries.
Only after the new constitution is finalised and ratified will Bangladesh move toward a genuine parliamentary election—and only then will the formation of a new government become possible.
Until that time, the interim government remains in place as mandated by law, not political aspiration.
By: Dr. Mohsin Ali, poet, novelist, and president of the Asian American Republican Club in New York.
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