Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam today said the government is working to hold the next national election in the first half of February 2026, and there is no uncertainty about the timing of the polls.

He made the remarks during a meeting with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz at the Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the information ministry.

On media freedom in Bangladesh, Mahfuj said the government does not exert any pressure on the media. "The Information and Broadcasting Ministry does not call any media outlet to interfere in their work. The media is freely criticising the government at present," he added.

During the meeting, Ambassador Lotz expressed Germany's interest in strengthening economic and trade relations with Bangladesh, said the release.