Michael Kugelman, a prominent South Asia analyst, has warned that Bangladesh could face widespread protests and unrest if elections are not held in February as scheduled.

In a policy brief, he noted that the Election Commission has announced elections for early February, a development most citizens view as a relief after months of political uncertainty.

Kugelman highlighted growing impatience with the interim government, which recently completed one year in office amid economic pressures and law-and-order challenges.

He suggested that while some actors—including student leaders behind a new political party and certain interim officials—may prefer a delay, the army, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and other key stakeholders remain firmly committed to holding elections on time.