[🇧🇩] Meeting Between Dr. Yunus and Tareq Rahman

[Saif]

Date of Event: Jun 13, 2025

Source : https://en.prothomalo.com/opinion/op-ed/qhvjk3hx09 Short Summary: Monitoring the outcome of meeting between Yunus and Tareq.

Yunus-Tarique meeting: Breakthrough and beyond

Rabiul Islam
Journalist at Prothom Alo
Updated: 12 Jun 2025, 20: 48

Muhammad Yunus (L) and Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to meet Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in London on Friday. Amid differences among the political parties over various issues including the parliamentary elections, state reforms and trial of July mass killings, the meeting between the Nobel laureate and the BNP acting chairman, who has been living in exile in London for around 18 years, seems to be positive as the meeting could yield a breakthrough in the country's political impasse.

After the news broke that a meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman would be held during the interim government's chief adviser's visit to UK, people from various sections including politicians, political analysts and media people have a curiosity as to what is going to happen.

He had also urged the party men not to take law into their hands. Even he gave many statements which were lauded by many. If elections take place in April or a bit earlier and BNP goes to power. The party has to establish rule of law and democracy for which the party has been struggling for long. While gossiping with a rickshaw puller on his rickshaw coming from Mohammadpur to Karwan Bazar, the man from Dinajpur expected that the BNP will not make mistake any more.
First of all it should be cleared as to why Tarique's meeting with Yunus is important. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government amid the student-people's uprising on 5 August, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is the largest political party in the country as the activities of Awami League currently banned. In fact there is no competitor for the BNP.

So there is a general perception that if a free and fair election takes place, the party would go to power. Alongside some other parties including Jamaat-e-Islami and newly born National Citizen Party (NCP), as per previous records and existing situation, there is little chance for these parties including Jamaaat-e-Islami to compete with the BNP.

Despite these realities, there are differences among the political parties over the election timeframe, the state reforms and the trial of July mass killings. Both reforms and the trial of July mass killings are a continuous process. Although there are some gaps, most of the political parties have agreed to carry out the reforms and the trial. The NCP, which led the July uprising, insisted that the state reforms and the trial of the July mass killing have to be carried out first and then the national election can be held. They argue that the mass uprising didn't happen just to oust a political party and bring another to power. Resembling the NCP, the Jamaat-e-Islami has also emphasised on carrying out reforms and the trial of the July mass killings.

However, the BNP has been demanding the national election to be held by December this year. Against this background, chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus on 6 June the day before the Eid day, in an address to the nation announced that the national election will be held on any day of the first half of April in 2026. Soon after the announcement, the BNP said that the opinions of the people have not been reflected in the announcement of the chief adviser.

They stick to their guns for arranging the election in December. Several other political parties including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) also demanded that the national election should be held in December this year. On the other hand, in accordance with the announcement of the chief adviser, the NCP said they have no problem if the election is held in April after some necessary reforms and trial of the July mass killing while Jamaat earlier demanded that the election will be held in April 2026.

With such a tug of war among the political parties over the election timeframe ongoing, some sort of stagflation is prevailing in the country. The World Bank in a latest report forecast that Bangladesh's GDP growth is likely to decrease to 3.3 per cent in the current 2024-25 fiscal year. The World Bank attributes the low GDP to the political instability. Meanwhile, the foreign and local investment has decreased significantly. Economists have warned that the investment and employment generation will not happen unless a political government steers the country.

Under such a gloomy scenario political instability on the one hand and downtrend economic situation on the other hand, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus during his four-day UK visit is scheduled to hold a meeting with BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday. It can be anticipated that all the pressing issues including the election timeframe, the economy, trial of July mass killings and the state reforms will come up for discussion.

Currently the bone of contention is the election time frame. For the greater interest of the nation, the two leaders need to reach a consensus whether the election is held in April 2026 or the election is brought forward to January-February. A gap of two to three months for holding the national election is not a big problem at all. If the Nobel laureate and the BNP acting chairman reach a consensus that would be a huge breakthrough.

There is no chance for egos to play any devious role here to destroy the prospect as the country has experienced how in the past the two major political parties-the BNP and the Awami League didn't hesitate to give importance on the party interest instead of the interest of the people. They had failed to sit together on national issues and reach a consensus. As a result of this, BNP had to remain out of power for about 16 years while the Awami League was ousted and their future is bleak. If those past flaws are taken into account and maturity are shown in political negotiation, the nation must head towards prosperity.

Although Yunus and Tarique will hold a two-hour meeting, a strategy must be drawn out for navigating the country through the right track after the election. The elected government also has to face huge challenges on the economic front and the diplomatic front to steer the country. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government on 5 August, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman gave a statement saying don't be retaliatory or vindictive.

He had also urged the party men not to take law into their hands. Even he gave many statements which were lauded by many. If elections take place in April or a bit earlier and BNP goes to power. The party has to establish rule of law and democracy for which the party has been struggling for long. While gossiping with a rickshaw puller on his rickshaw coming from Mohammadpur to Karwan Bazar, the man from Dinajpur expected that the BNP will not make mistake any more. Waiting to see!

*Rabiul Islam is a journalist at Prothom Alo.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus to meet Tarique on June 13

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to meet BNP leader Tarique Rahman on the morning of June 13, according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking to local media in London on June 10, Alam said there is no fixed format for the meeting. As Tarique Rahman is a key leader of Bangla

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Yunus to meet Tarique on June 13

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 11, 2025 00:17
Updated :
Jun 11, 2025 00:17

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to meet BNP leader Tarique Rahman on the morning of June 13, according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Speaking to local media in London on June 10, Alam said there is no fixed format for the meeting. As Tarique Rahman is a key leader of Bangladesh’s major political party, the BNP, the meeting will take place accordingly.

He added that the two may discuss various topics, including Bangladesh's current political situation, election schedules, reforms, and the proposed July Charter during their talks.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique-Yunus meeting could be 'turning point' in political crisis: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the upcoming meeting between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in the UK may prove to be a “turning point” in addressing Bangladesh’s ongoing political crisis. Speaking to reporters a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tarique-Yunus meeting could be 'turning point' in political crisis: Fakhrul

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jun 10, 2025 15:17
Updated :
Jun 10, 2025 15:17

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the upcoming meeting between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in the UK may prove to be a “turning point” in addressing Bangladesh’s ongoing political crisis.

Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday (June 10), Fakhrul said, “A new dimension may emerge from this meeting.”

He confirmed that Dr. Yunus, currently visiting the UK, had invited Tarique Rahman for the meeting, which is set to take place at the hotel where the Chief Advisor is staying.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NEW ELECTION TIMING LIKELY
All eyes set on CA-Tarique London conclave on Friday
Meet may open up new 'dimension': Fakhrul

MIR MOSTAFIZUR RAHAMAN
Published :
Jun 11, 2025 01:00
Updated :
Jun 11, 2025 01:00

All eyes are set on an upcoming meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as anticipation is rife the London conclave could break a tumultuous standoff over election timing.

As confirmed, the Yunus-Tarique one-one-one parley takes place Friday, June 13, between 9:00 and 11:00am local time in London.

The much-envisaged meeting between the head of post-uprising government, currently on a visit to the United Kingdom, and the long-exiled leader of the former ruling party is being seen in Dhaka as important for a breakthrough.

As a latest impasse on the country's tempestuous political front emerged centering the date of the next general election, the meeting seems to be crucial to bridging the gap between the interim government and the most powerful political force of the country now in the absence of the immediate-past ruling Awami League, banned by the government recently following its ouster from power on charges of 'fascist' rule.

The Chief Adviser, in his pre-Eid address to the nation, announced the next election will be held someday in the first half of April 2026, in an effort to pacify politicians agitating for election roadmap. But the timeline triggered furor among BNP and its allies who had been hammering for national elections by December this year.

BNP leaders criticised the announcement arguing that the CA favoured some political parties like Jamaat and the newborn NCP of July-August uprising vanguards which stand for holding the parliament election at a later delayed date.

Even the army chief -- who has been in public appearance since the earl-August turmoil in the political arena that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina government, earlier had opined that elections should be held sometime around December.

Against this backdrop, political analysts believe the meeting between Yunus and Tarique may help in striking a compromise on election timings with both sides conceding a little ground.

Even BNP may agree to an idea of holding the elections in February, a senior BNP leader told The Financial Express, preferring anonymity.

"And if so, it will be a face-saving measure for both BNP and the government as both have to give some concession on date," he said.

Meanwhile, talking to the media in Dhaka on Tuesday, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir commented that this meeting could open up a new "dimension".

He said ever since the announcement of the chief adviser's London trip, discussions had been ongoing regarding a possible meeting with BNP's acting chairman.

Mirza Fakhrul thinks this meeting could play a positive role in addressing the political crises in Bangladesh.

"Personally, I believe that given the current political backdrop, this is a major event -- an important event. It holds significant importance," he said.

He describes the upcoming meeting as one of the major political events of this time, saying, "This meeting could create many opportunities. It could help solve many problems. Many things could become easier. A new dimension could emerge. A new horizon may be unveiled."

He also criticises the tentative election time announced by the interim government, saying that such timing is unsuitable for elections. "There will be many challenges in campaigning before Ramadan. Iftar events will be necessary every day. Election expenses will double. The intense heat will make it difficult to gather people at rallies. Programmes would have to be held at night."

The BNP leader notes that holding the election on the cusp of transition is extremely important.

Responding to allegation that BNP does not want reforms, he says, "That's propaganda. False campaigns are being carried out against BNP. BNP had already proposed 31 points for reform even before the people's uprising."

Calling upon political parties, organisations and social-media users, the BNP Secretary-General urges: "Do not divide the nation. If you do, external forces --those who conspire against the country -- will take advantage."​

 

[Saif]

Yunus-Tarique meeting is very important for future of Bangladesh: Press Secy

Chief Adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam hopes that the upcoming meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be very significant for Bangladesh and its political future. In a video message today, Thursday, he shared this opinion...

en.prothomalo.com

Yunus-Tarique meeting is very important for future of Bangladesh: Press Secy
Saidul Islam from London
Updated: 12 Jun 2025, 22: 21

Press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government, Shafiqul Alam. File photo

Chief Adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam hopes that the upcoming meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be very significant for Bangladesh and its political future.

In a video message today, Thursday, he shared this opinion while discussing the preparations for the meeting.

The meeting will take place tomorrow morning, local time, at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is currently staying at this hotel during his visit to the United Kingdom.

As part of preparations for tomorrow’s meeting, a representative from the BNP visited them today, according to a video message from the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam.

In the video message, he said, “We expect they will arrive by 9:00am tomorrow. After their arrival, there will be a one-on-one meeting. If they decide that others should be present, that decision will be made by the two leaders themselves.”

Emphasising the significance of the meeting, Shafiqul Alam said, “This is a very important meeting for Bangladesh and for the country’s upcoming political realities. With elections scheduled for April, this meeting carries great importance. It’s not about a fixed agenda—what matters is that the meeting is happening and that everything will be discussed. One is currently the head of the interim government, and the other is the head of Bangladesh’s largest political party. They will sit together and discuss everything.”

For several months, there has been intense debate in Bangladesh’s political sphere over the timing of the next national parliamentary election. In a speech to the nation on the eve of Eid, the Chief Adviser announced that the election would be held in the first half of April. However, BNP leaders, who have long demanded elections in December, reiterated their demand even after this announcement.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming meeting in London between the Chief Adviser and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sparked widespread interest and speculation in Bangladesh’s political circles.​

 

[Saif]

When Bangladesh looks towards London

Questions may arise concerning the competence and neutrality of this government in holding a fair election. Much depends on the outcome of the London chapter

en.prothomalo.com

Altaf Parvez's column
When Bangladesh looks towards London

Altaf Parvez
Researcher on South-East Asian History
Updated: 12 Jun 2025, 14: 58

Chief advisor of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus (L) and BNP's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman (R)

It was 173 years ago that Karl Marx had said that events in history may repeat themselves, first as tragedy, then as farce. In the past too, the fate of Bengal had many times been determined by the West. If that occurs yet again, we will at least term that as a tragedy.

This is a tragedy for many reasons. Firstly, after exactly 10 months, the future of the mass uprising has become a matter of bargaining on personal and collective level. The people are no longer in the driver's seat regarding such matters, or at least that's what the "local" society feels.

The people of Bangladesh have a sharp political sense and understanding, and their strength of imagination is extensive too. The chitchat at the village tea stalls over the Eid holidays has already shifted rapidly from the business at the livestock markets to London, almost 8000 km away.

Though the ruling class of this region has long nurtured a penchant for travel and a love for London, the current London issue is especially intriguing. People suspect that much of the decision-making about when, why, and how the long-elusive national election will take place is happening this week in London. But can such “decisions” really be made so easily? Is Bangladesh’s ruling class skilled in the “art of compromise”?

Precedence of the recent past is not too encouraging. Bangladesh witnessed two bitter episodes, one in 2006 and the other in 2013, the consequences of which lingered all the way through to 2024.

This time, we’ve already carelessly let slip ten of the most promising and beautiful months in our political history. In just a few days, it will be the first anniversary of “36 July.” The tears of the bereaved have not dried, the laments continue. And yet the political forces seem to be more divisive and conflict-prone that even before “36 July.”

Over the past ten months, Bangladesh has ostensibly failed to make the kind of political progress that was expected. There have been no new achievements. There seems to be nothing new emerging from the womb of society. Meanwhile, policymakers, instead of acting as neutral guardians and assuaging differences among rival forces closer, are often doing quite the opposite.

Divisive politics have gained leverage instead of policies of reconciliation. As a result, administrative authorities are now having to bargain on behalf of certain sides in the political arena. Such a situation is ethically risky for the custodians of the state. This risk could further inflame the already heated political climate. As a side effect, there may soon be demands for reforms in the interim government. Politicians from various opposing camps have already called for the removal of several advisors.

It is quite possible that questions may arise concerning the competence and neutrality of this government in holding a free and fair election. For the time being, much depends on the outcome of the London chapter.
On the issue of reforms, almost all political parties, including the BNP, have already revealed much of their respective positions. There is apparently a pinch of consensus and a handful of differences. A “declaration” based on the points of agreement may be drafted next month, which is expected to be endorsed by the post-election parliament. Whether this will be enough to stop the ongoing “mob” is hard to say.

The fact that the poor are out of the picture for now, is reflected in the recent budget document. It can be said with certainty that this matter will not be an issue of discussion in London.
It hardly seems that this declaration holds much interest for the country's farmers, workers and professionals at the lower rungs. The question is, what else is there for the discussions in London? Why is this meeting so important and why is there so such avid interest in its outcome.

There are a lot of assumptions and analyses at the tea stalls in the towns and villages. Many are thinking about the political fate of the 36 July organisers and constitutional-administrative protection for their role at the time. Those thinking about such matters may want certain specific commitments from the future policymakers. The people may only get to know very little about how far consensus is reached on such matters and how wide the gap remains, but the general Bangladeshi's will adeptly deduce everything.

People’s speculations and imaginations race along as the post-uprising landscape continues to shift over these ten months. They are seeing, in light of reality and polarisation, the political gains and prospects of the July organisers are now at risk. It has taken them too long to grasp the difference between activism and parliamentary politics. In face of the election winds, they now squarely stand in front of a harsh reality.

Beyond this, once normal administrative and police operations resume in the future, several harsh issues from the time of the uprising and its aftermath will resurface. On such matters, there was room for separate discussions under the broader umbrella of reform dialogue. Gradually, for many people, these are becoming the more pressing concerns. Time is moving fast. Economic indicators are on a downward trend. And investors won’t loosen their purse strings until they see the full electoral roadmap.

The London meeting is crucial in avoiding all this. Its significance stems from at least two other reasons as well. First, if the structure of the election-time government is to be different, and if the interim government is somehow transformed, then what will its size and composition be? Who will it include? And what will be the scope of each person’s responsibilities?

Secondly, if the likely winners of the upcoming election go on to form a so-called national government as promised, questions arise: who will be allowed to be participate in that government, and to what extent? How will they evaluate and show respect toward the actions and performance of the interim government up to now? These questions, it seems, are already seeking certain commitments and assurances.


Considering all these factors, just as in the past, our political future may once again be shaped from London. For those who offered revolutionary interpretations of the mass uprising, such a scenario is far from comforting, but it is the reality.

Despite receiving immense public support, the best minds of civil society have brought us to this point. From here, it is up to the politicians to move Bangladesh forward. The upper and middle classes still prefer old “stability” over the risk of a failed state. The fact that the poor are out of the picture for now, is reflected in the recent budget document. It can be said with certainty that this matter will not be an issue of discussion in London.

* Altaf Parvez is a researcher of history​

 

[Saif]

Yunus-Tarique to meet in London, with Khaleda Zia steering behind the scenes

The political strife that had been going on for the last few months over the parliamentary election has somewhat subsided for now after the announcement of a probable time of the election. However, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has not fully accepted April as the probable time for...

en.prothomalo.com

Yunus-Tarique to meet in London, with Khaleda Zia steering behind the scenes
​

• Election-time could get prominence in London discussion​
• Some of the advisers advised the chief adviser to hold election in February​
• Khaleda Zia also thinks February, if not December, suitable time for election​
• 
  ​

Muhammad Yunus (L) and Tarique Rahman

The political tensions that had been going on for the last few months over the parliamentary election has somewhat eased for now after the announcement of a probable election timeline.

However, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has not fully accepted April as the tentative election month, the discordance over the time of voting has not yet become smooth between the party and the interim government.

Meanwhile, the meeting between chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, scheduled to be held in London on 13 June, has turned into a major political focal point.

Political observers and stakeholders has been closely observing the development surrounding the meeting. Widespread discussions have been going on in the political realm regarding negotiations over the time of voting, reform initiatives, July charter and other relevant issues in the meeting.

In his address to the nation on the day before the Eid-ul-Azha, the interim government’s chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus said that the 13th parliamentary election could be held on any day in the first half of April next year. Although BNP and some other political parties did not accept the “time frame”, many from the political arena have been considering this announcement positively.

However, people actively involved with politics think the political understanding would have been better had the government fixed February for the election.

Interim government’s chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus reached London on a four-day state visit on Tuesday. Prior to this, BNP and several sources from the government confirmed the meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman.

Dubbing the meeting as highly significant, several sources said if the meeting between the two leaders become successful, then the gap between the interim government and the BNP over probable date of election, important reform initiatives, July charter and other issues could begin to narrow.

A source from the BNP’s policymaking level informed Prothom Alo that the chief adviser’s date of visiting the UK was fixed at the first half of May. BNP has been considering a meeting between the chief adviser and Tarique Rahman since then.

In the meantime, tensions flared between the BNP and government and conflict with the National Citizen Party (NCP) over not administering the oath of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation though the court pronounced a verdict in favour of Ishraque.

In such a context, Tarique Rahman, joining virtually, from a grand rally at Naya Paltan on 28 May, stressed that the national election must be held by December.

Later, the chief adviser announced the tentative date of the election which did not satisfy the top leaders of the BNP. Following this, the meeting between Tarique Rahman and professor Yunus in London became uncertain.

A source said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also played an important role so that the meeting takes place. Later, a time for the meeting was set due to the wishes of both sides, especially the increased interest from the government. This was discussed in the meeting of the BNP’s standing committee, the highest policymaking body of the party.

They thought the meeting would be better for the country and the nation.

Speaking about this, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told Prothom Alo, “The chief adviser is the head of the interim government. He is an internationally reputed personality. Acting chairman of BNP, the largest political party of the country, Tarique Rahman has been in exile in the UK for 17 years.”

“We think there should be a meeting between the head of the government and the acting chairman of the BNP. This is part of political etiquette. Otherwise, critics could grab this chance for aspersive criticism,” he added.

This meeting has generated interest among other political parties too.

Speaking about this, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nayeb-e-ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told Prothom Alo on Tuesday, “We are taking this (meeting) positively. Because this is a meeting between the head of the interim government and the functional head of the country’s largest political party. We hope they will discuss the next national election and reform initiatives.”

However, Jamaat, NCP, Islami Andolan and several other political parties welcomed the announcement of the election date, saying that this assured the nation.

Jamaat and NCP, however, think people’s expectations could have been fulfilled if the election date had been announced after implementing the July uprising declaration and July charter.

Jamaat hopes the interim government would be able to bring Bangladesh on a track of democratic practices by implementing three things - reforms, trial of Awami League and the election, and composing and implementing the “July charter”.

‘Advice on settling on table, not on streets’

BNP was planning to take to the streets resolutely with the demand of holding the elections by December this year. But the leaders of the party have hinted at relaxing their stance a bit for now.

Several sources from the BNP said the party chairperson Khaleda Zia played a role in this case. When the BNP standing committee members went to Khaleda Zia’s residence on 7 June night to greet her on Eid-ul-Azha, she asked them why the distance with the interim government. She advised the leaders against taking to streets over any issue at this time. She insisted that whatever be the problem, it is better to hold discussion.

Sources further revealed that one the next day of her meeting with the standing committee members, Khaleda Zia talked to her elder son and the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday. Later, there was a meeting of the party’s standing committee on Monday night. This meeting welcomed the courtesy meeting between the chief adviser and Tarique Rahman.

BNP leaders think this meeting could play an important role to reduce the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh and pave a way for an acceptable election.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir formally talked to the media about this on Tuesday afternoon. He termed the meeting in London as “the most important event of this time”.

“I think both nationally and internationally this meeting is highly important. This meeting could resolve many issues and many things could become easier; it also could create new dimensions. Now it depends on our leaders (Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman), how they navigate the situation towards fulfilling their potential. We, on behalf of our party, gave full authority to the acting chairman and wished him success,” he said.

‘April not suitable for election’

The month of April is in no way suitable for holding the parliamentary elections because of the scorching summer heat and apprehensions of nor’westers, BNP and other political parties think. Besides, there will be Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr before April. Then there is the secondary school certificate (SSC) exams. Because of all this it would be tough to run campaigns. Considering everything, December would be the most suitable time for holding the elections, BNP’s policy making level leaders think.

However, several BNP leaders said it would be easier for them to accept if the government could organise the election even in January or February.

The BNP chairperson also thought February would be the suitable time for elections. She said this when a government delegation went to give her the mutation documents related to her house on 2 June night.

Several government sources said that until the recording of the chief adviser’s address to the nation, some of the advisers and people close to the government advised him about fixing the first half of February as the probable election time frame. But the chief adviser remained adamant about holding the elections in April.

Political analysts think if the outcomes of this discussion are negative, it might affect the reform initiatives and the elections, which could worsen the situation.

BNP sources said they also have been looking forward to the meeting. Then they will decide their next course of action watching the meeting’s outcome.

Speaking about this, party’s standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told Prothom Alo on Tuesday, “This is nothing new that the people of Bangladesh want an election. Now we have to wait as we’re going into a discussion. Till then we will have to keep mum.”

*The report, originally published in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Shameem Reza​

 

[Saif]

Yunus-Tarique meeting evokes mixed reactions, mostly positive

The high-voltage meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on Friday has triggered a wave of mixed reactions, mostly positive, across Bangladesh's political spectrum, while political analysts see a glimmer of hope for the country's return to de

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Yunus-Tarique meeting evokes mixed reactions, mostly positive

FE REPORT
Published :
Jun 14, 2025 00:51
Updated :
Jun 14, 2025 00:51

The high-voltage meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on Friday has triggered a wave of mixed reactions, mostly positive, across Bangladesh's political spectrum, while political analysts see a glimmer of hope for the country's return to democratic order through national elections.

While the meeting raised hope for resolving Bangladesh's prolonged political impasse, political observers agree that a final outcome will largely depend on the progress of ongoing reforms, the response of other political forces, and broader consensus on justice and governance issues in the weeks and months ahead.

Shortly after the one-on-one meeting, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in a statement, termed the outcome of the talks a "fruitful consensus" that dispelled uncertainty and brought a "new hope" to the people by setting the stage for national elections before Ramadan.

He said the meeting ensured Bangladesh's victory through a consensus that connected national expectations with a logical timeframe for polls.

Held at London's Dorchester Hotel from 2:00pm to 3:30pm Bangladesh time, the much-anticipated meeting between the head of the interim government and the leader of the country's largest opposition party covered a range of crucial issues concerning the upcoming general election.

Fakhrul praised both leaders for their roles, saying Tarique Rahman once again demonstrated his prioritisation of the country's interests, sovereignty, and stability by agreeing to compromises required by the situation.

"In the journey to establish democracy, he is not only a leader of the highest power on the streets, but also equally skilled and visionary at the dialogue table and in constructive engagement," Fakhrul said.

BNP expects that, following the agreement, the interim government will now begin full-fledged preparations to hold the national election before Ramadan, staying firm on its stated position.

However, not all political voices echoed the same optimism. National Citizens Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary sharply criticised the overseas meeting, saying national decisions should not be made abroad.

Speaking to a daily after the meeting, he remarked, "The election date will not determine the future of Bangladesh. Without a national consensus on justice and reform issues, a specific roadmap, and visible progress, elections cannot be held in a hurry under pressure from any party."

Patwary further insisted that such discussions should prioritise the country's dignity and be conducted domestically.

"The government must pay the blood debt of the martyrs in the mass uprising. The process of justice and reform must be completed," he said.

Referring to the earlier decision to hold elections in February, he said, "Now, if a decision is taken abroad with a party on a national issue, the people of Bangladesh should not accept it."

Echoing similar concerns, Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Gonosanghati Andolon, termed the meeting "positive" but called for a definitive election date. He stressed that beyond setting a date, genuine discussions on reforms and justice must accompany the process.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said reforms and trials should precede any election, and argued that completing these processes by December would be more feasible than rushing into a February poll.

He warned that failure to address these issues would prolong the political deadlock.​