Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed that elections would be held in the country “in the early part of next year”. During a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday, Mr Yunus also sought US support for the country’s democratic transition. They discussed the ongoing reform process, transition to democracy, the upcoming general election, and aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. In a social media post, Mr Yunus said that the 15-minute discussion was warm, cordial, and constructive, reflecting the strong bilateral engagement between the two nations. Mr Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda and its move to hold elections early next year.