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

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NCP slates Tarique-Yunus election decision in London, calls it a ‘betrayal of Uprising’

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has criticised the move to set Bangladesh’s election timeline through a meeting in the UK, calling it a “betrayal” of the 2024 mass uprising and warning it could trigger a new one. Speaking in Dhaka on Friday, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patw

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NCP slates Tarique-Yunus election decision in London, calls it a ‘betrayal of Uprising’

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jun 13, 2025 22:06
Updated :
Jun 13, 2025 22:06

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has criticised the move to set Bangladesh’s election timeline through a meeting in the UK, calling it a “betrayal” of the 2024 mass uprising and warning it could trigger a new one.

Speaking in Dhaka on Friday, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said the decision to fix a poll date without national consensus “ignores the public will and takes the country backwards”.

“This kind of meeting on foreign soil is an insult to the blood of the martyrs of the mass uprising, while the injured still lie in hospitals,” he said at the party office in Banglamotor.

Nasiruddin’s remarks came hours after BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in London for 90 minutes.

A joint statement released afterwards suggested that if preparations were complete, elections could be held before Ramadan instead of April.

The NCP leader warned that this move, made without ensuring reforms or accountability from the current government, is “a betrayal of the people’s aspiration for change”.

“I have seen no message from the government on reforms or justice,” he said. “This entire arrangement is designed to appease one political party, not the people of Bangladesh.”

“We saw a similar backtrack in 1990 when political forces made a social contract, only to return the country to old politics.”

Nasiruddin did not shift from the party’s earlier stance — that elections must come only after key reforms and visible legal action against the Awami League.

The party also disagreed with the interim government’s move to fix a date after a single-party meeting, calling it “undemocratic”.

“We might have to launch a new mass uprising,” Nasiruddin added.

Echoing the same position, NCP Senior Joint Coordinator Ariful Islam Adib told bdnews24.com: “We’ve always said we’re ready for polls anytime—but only after structural reforms and the prosecution of those responsible. That hasn’t changed.”

“But a national election date cannot be announced after discussions with just one political party.

“The date should be finalised through consultations with other political forces, as well as the families of those killed and injured in the uprising,” he added.​

 

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Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, during his meeting with the party's acting chairman, agreed to hold the next national election in mid-February next. "Everybody was expecting that this meeting could be a turning point. We expr

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul

UNB
Published :
Jun 13, 2025 18:32
Updated :
Jun 13, 2025 18:32

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, during his meeting with the party's acting chairman, agreed to hold the next national election in mid-February next.

"Everybody was expecting that this meeting could be a turning point. We express our gratitude to Allah that this meeting has truly turned into a turning point," he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office after the meeting.

Fakhrul said Tarique proposed bringing the election date forward from April, as earlier announced by the Chief Adviser, since that time is not favourable for voting. "The entire nation noticed with immense joy that the Chief Adviser agreed to it, and they (govt) fixed the election timeframe in the middle of February."

He thanked Prof Yunus, saying that using his prudence he invited Tarique to the meeting and thus ended the political stalemate for taking the nation forward with new hopes.

Fakhrul said a joint statement was issued after the meeting, clearly stating that the talks between the two leaders were held in a cordial atmosphere.

The BNP leader said the election issue was the prime one among other matters discussed at the meeting.

He said it is now necessary to move forward towards a fair election in mid-February by forgetting past misunderstandings and further consolidating the national unity.

Fakhrul said he spoke to Tarique Rahman soon after the meeting with Prof Yunus ended, and the BNP acting chairman expressed his gratitude and respect for those who carried out the struggle over the last 15 years, shed blood, and those who made sacrifices during the July-August mass uprising.

He said Tarique also paid homage to all martyrs and prayed for the salvation of their departed souls.

Besides, Fakhrul said the BNP acting chairman expressed gratitude to the country's people for continuing their struggle for democracy and thanked them.

Earlier, a joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London.

It said the meeting between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus was held in a very cordial atmosphere.

The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held before Ramadan next year. "Party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also believes that holding the election during that time would be appropriate."

"The Chief Adviser said he has already announced that the election will be held in early April next year. If all preparations are completed, it may even be possible to hold the election in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. But, in that case, sufficient progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial," the joint statement reads.

It said Tarique welcomed the Chief Adviser's position and thanked him on behalf of the party. "The Chief Adviser also thanked Mr Tarique Rahman for the fruitful discussion."

The high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly two hours of discussion on various crucial issues ahead of the general election.

The meeting began at the Dorchester Hotel in London at 2pm Bangladesh time on Friday and continued until 3:30pm (BST), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned.​

 

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Election could be brought forward to February, Khalil says after Yunus-Tarique meeting

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus says if there is sufficient progress in reforms and trials, then the upcoming parliamentary elections can be held in February, ahead of Ramadan, instead of the April date that he had previously suggested. He expressed the opinion in a joint statement following his meet

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Election could be brought forward to February, Khalil says after Yunus-Tarique meeting

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jun 13, 2025 17:06
Updated :
Jun 13, 2025 18:51

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus says if there is sufficient progress in reforms and trials, then the upcoming parliamentary elections can be held in February, ahead of Ramadan, instead of the April date that he had previously suggested.

He expressed the opinion in a joint statement following his meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on Friday, according to National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman.

During the “very cordial” meeting, Tarique proposed that the elections be held before Ramadan next year, a timeline that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also supports, said Khalilur.

“The chief advisor said that he had announced elections would be held by the first half of April next year. But, if all preparations are completed, the elections can be organised in the week before the start of Ramadan in 2026. In that case, it will be necessary to achieve sufficient progress on reforms and trials by that time,” he added.

Tarique welcomed the chief advisor’s position and expressed gratitude on behalf of the party, according to Khalilur. The chief advisor also thanked the BNP leader for the fruitful discussion, he said.

Based on lunar calculations, Ramadan could begin on Feb 18 next year.

Following the London meeting, the possibility has emerged that, if all preparations, including “reforms and trials”, are completed, the polls may be held about a week before that date.

Earlier, in a national address on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha, Yunus had announced plans to hold elections in the first half of April, despite several political parties, including the BNP, calling for polls by December.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Advisor Khalilur said the Election Commission would soon announce the official date for the vote.

“In [Friday’s] joint statement, both sides made their positions clear. We hope the Election Commission will declare a date shortly,” he said.

When asked if they were satisfied with the possibility of bringing the election forward to February, both Khalilur and BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury replied affirmatively.

“We have always said not only before the election, but even after it, we must all work together to rebuild the country,” said Amir Khosru.

“Had we not been satisfied, we wouldn’t have issued a joint statement.”

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Joint statement after Yunus–Tarique meeting: Election may be held before Ramadan

The chief adviser, however, emphasised that sufficient progress on reforms and trials would be required for such an election timeline.

en.prothomalo.com

Joint statement after Yunus–Tarique meeting: Election may be held before Ramadan
Correspondent London
Updated: 13 Jun 2025, 19: 34

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman meet at a hotel in London on 13 June, 2025.CA Press Wing

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus has said if necessary preparations are completed, the next national election could be held in the week before the beginning of Ramadan in 2026 (early February).

He, however, emphasised that sufficient progress on reforms and trials would be required for such an election timeline.

The announcement was made in a joint statement of the chief adviser and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday, following their meeting in London in the United Kingdom.

Following the meeting, national security adviser Khalilur Rahman, chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Humayun Kabir appeared in a joint press briefing.

(L-R) Press secretary Shafiqul Alam, national security adviser Khalilur Rahman, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Humayun Kabir at the joint media conference after the meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London on 13 June 2025 Saidul Islam.

According to the joint statement, the meeting between professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman was held in a cordial atmosphere. Tarique Rahman proposed that elections be held before the beginning of Ramadan in 2026, citing that BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia also holds the same view.

In response, the chief adviser said his government had already announced an election by the first half of April 2026. However, if all preparations are completed in time, it is possible to move the election up to the week before Ramadan. Professor Yunus stressed ensuring sufficient progress in reforms and trials before the election timeline.

Tarique Rahman welcomed the chief adviser’s position and thanked him on behalf of his party. Professor Yunus, in turn, thanked Tarique for a productive discussion.​

 

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Most parties welcome declaration

Most political parties, except for the National Citizen Party, have responded with optimism to the outcomes of the London meeting between chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

www.newagebd.net

YUNUS-TARIQUE MEETING
Most parties welcome declaration
NCP says decision made abroad not acceptable

Staff Correspondent 14 June, 2025, 00:02

Most political parties, except for the National Citizen Party, have responded with optimism to the outcomes of the London meeting between chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

The chief adviser and BNP acting chairman agreed at their meeting on Friday that the next national elections could be held in mid-February next year, which will be before the start of Ramadan.

The 12-Party Alliance, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD, and Ganosamhati Andolan welcomed the decision, viewing it as a positive step towards democratic transition.

The National Citizen Party, however, in its response criticised that the government failed to deliver any clear message regarding the July Declaration, reforms and trials before the election, while saying that the nation would not accept decisions taken abroad.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, however, declined to make any immediate comment on the London meeting and its outcomes with its publicity affairs secretary, Motiur Rahman Akand, saying they would issue their official reaction later.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh acknowledged the proposed February timeline but stressed that elections could still be held by December.

Leaders of the 12-Party Alliance, in a press statement, applauded the outcome of the meeting, saying that it would remain a milestone in the country’s democratic transition.

The chief of the alliance and chairman of a Jatiya Party faction, Mostafa Jamal Haider, hoped that the next general election would be held in the first half of February, before Ramadan, in a free, fair and credible manner.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD president and veteran politician ASM Abdur Rob and general secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Shapon said in a press statement that the outcome of the meeting would help the country in its democratic transition.

They, however, emphasised that trials of fascist elements and the implementation of reforms must be ensured before the elections to safeguard people’s democratic rights.

National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said at a press conference on the day that people would not accept any decision taken abroad.

‘The country’s decisions must come from this land,’ he told journalists at the press conference held at the party office in Banglamotor in Dhaka city.

He also alleged that the people’s aspirations were not reflected, as there was no clear message from the government regarding the July Declaration, reforms and trials.

‘Without those, taking Bangladesh on the road to election just to satisfy a party is like betraying the aspirations of the July uprising and the people,’ said Nasiruddin.

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki told New Age that the decision to hold the next election before Ramadan was certainly positive, and political parties should now reach a consensus on conducting trials and reforms as early as possible.New Age products

‘We also wanted the next general election before Ramadan in our meeting with the chief adviser and now want to see the decisions implemented accordingly,’ Saki said.

In an initial reaction, CPB general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince told New Age that it was still possible to hold the next general election by December.

‘But the decision was taken in the meeting to hold the election at the beginning of February, before Ramadan, and we want to see what steps the Election Commission takes to make that happen,’ Prince said.

Ramadan in 2026 will start in the second half of February.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh joint secretary general Gazi Ataur Rahman, in a press statement, said that holding the general election in February would help end the country’s ongoing political uncertainty.​

 

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CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London has caused 'heartburn' among various political parties. "Many parties couldn't accept it. Some even expressed resentment

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi

UNB
Published :
Jun 14, 2025 21:11
Updated :
Jun 14, 2025 21:11

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London has caused 'heartburn' among various political parties.

"Many parties couldn't accept it. Some even expressed resentment. This meeting caused heartburn among many political parties. Brother, why are you so upset? What is your purpose?" Rizvi said while addressing a rally in the Bhawanipur area of Gazipur.

Gazipur district unit BNP organised the programme on the premises of local Muktijoddha College to launch the party's new membership form distribution and membership renewal campaign.

In an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rizvi said some political parties are upset over the revised election timeline.

The BNP leader said some political parties claimed the interim government's neutrality had been compromised by the London meeting.

Rizvi questioned when those parties had ever conducted themselves with genuine impartiality and suggested they should first reflect on their own history.

"They (Jamaat) stood against people in 1971, joined hands with Hasina in the 1986 election... After August 5 (2024), they talked about forgiving the Awami League and deepening ties with India. What kind of politics is this?" he questioned.

The BNP leader said Jamaat's politics is full of contradictions, while BNP's politics is positive and constructive.

He observed that there is no more suitable time than the first or second week of February next year for the national election. "There is a tradition of holding national elections during this period," he said.

On the contrary, Rizvi said, April is not favourable for voting due to extreme heat, storms and the season of Hajj and Qurbani preparations. "Can election campaigns even be conducted during Ramadan?"

He said the first or second week of February will offer a window with good weather, no Ramadan, and no academic exams - making it the ideal time for elections.

Slamming Sheikh Hasina, Rizvi said the deposed former Prime Minister had carried out many propaganda campaigns against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, but she never fled the country nor bowed down to Hasina's injustice.

He accused Hasina of destroying the Election Commission and stifling people's democratic rights.

The BNP leader also criticised India for continuing to push its citizens into Bangladesh through various borders. "India is trying to provoke conflict through the incidents of push-in. If this continues, they must face the consequences."

Meanwhile, traffic movement on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway was disrupted in the afternoon near the Bhawanipur area due to the BNP rally, causing immense suffering to Eid holidaymakers returning to Dhaka.
​

 

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Election in February first half consistent with Jamaat ameer's views: Salahuddin Ahmed

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has responded to Jamaat-e-Islami’s claim that the chief adviser at the London meeting had shown “special fondness toward a particular party.” Salahuddin Ahmed stated that it was not a matter of showing fondness to any party. Rather, the new election...

en.prothomalo.com

Election in February first half consistent with Jamaat ameer's views: Salahuddin Ahmed

Special Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 14 Jun 2025, 22: 41
Salahuddin Ahmed Collected

BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has responded to Jamaat-e-Islami’s claim that the chief adviser at the London meeting had shown “special fondness toward a particular party.” Salahuddin Ahmed stated that it was not a matter of showing fondness to any party. Rather, the new election timeline announced by the chief adviser matches the suggestion made earlier by Jamaat’s ameer that the election could be held in February before Ramadan in 2026.

Salahuddin Ahmed further said that in Jamaat-e-Islami’s statement about the meeting, it is stated that on 16 April, after meeting with a foreign mission, the Jamaat ameer told journalists that elections might be held in February 2026 before Ramadan. Therefore, the post-London meeting announcement regarding the election timeline is consistent with the Jamaat ameer’s viewpoint. This should not be interpreted as showing special preference toward any party.

Speaking on Saturday afternoon to Prothom Alo about London meeting, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed made these remarks about the reaction expressed by the Jamaat-e-Islami's central executive council to the media. He also spoke about the reaction of National Citizen Party (NCP).

Chief advisor of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus met with BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman in London yesterday, Friday. In the joint statement made after the meeting, it was said that if all preparations can be completed in time, the election will be held before Ramadan, that is, in the first half of February next year.

On Friday night NCP, the party comprising youth who were at the helm of the July mass uprising, expressed their official reaction. They felt that the government was giving priority to the stand and demand of one party only concerning the election. They said that the July declaration was be presented, the July Charter must be enacted to implement the fundamental reforms, a roadmap for the trials must be declared, and only then should election-related discussions be finalised.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said, the new political party (NCP) is viewing the London meeting from a party viewpoint. He advised that they rise above the party viewpoint to take decisions in greater national interests and also to earn further experience.

Several political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, have expressed dissatisfaction with the way a consensus was reached between the government and BNP on a possible election timeline during the London meeting, and how that consensus was announced through a joint statement.

Leaders of these parties say they have no objection to the idea of holding elections in the first half of February. Nor are they opposed to the government reaching a consensus with the country’s largest political party on this matter. However, they question whether the government can justifiably issue a joint statement about elections with a single party and whether that is ethical.​

 

[Saif]

Special fondness for one party undermines chief adviser’s neutrality: Jamaat

The party urged the chief adviser to clarify his position in addressing the concerns regarding the government’s neutrality and the integrity of the upcoming election.

en.prothomalo.com

Special fondness for one party undermines chief adviser’s neutrality: Jamaat
Special Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 14 Jun 2025, 17: 40

Photo shows logo of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.Twitter

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed concern over the recent meeting between chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman in London, saying that the chief adviser’s special fondness for one party undermined his neutrality.

The party made the statement through a press release on Saturday, following a meeting of its central executive council. Jamaat said it is not ethically right for the interim government to hold a joint press briefing and issue a joint statement after a meeting with a particular political party. It goes against the country’s political culture.

According to the statement, the party considers the meeting between the chief adviser and the BNP leader ‘quite normal,’ as the chief adviser has already held talks – both separately and jointly – with different political parties.

Referring to the chief adviser’s 6 June address where he outlined a roadmap for the next general election by the first half of April 2026, Jamaat raised questions about the necessity of another statement after a meeting with one particular political party. They believe it would have been more appropriate had the chief adviser returned home and discussed matters with other political parties before revealing his stance.

Jamaat argued that as the head of government, holding a joint press conference with one political party is ethically unjustifiable. It gives rise to concerns among the public regarding a free, fair, and credible election.

“Given the existence of many active political parties in Bangladesh, making political decisions through consultation with one particular party cannot be considered appropriate,” the statement continued. Jamaat called on the interim government to maintain neutrality and ensure a level playing field for all, while taking necessary steps regarding reforms and trials.

Additionally, the party urged the chief adviser to clarify his position in addressing the concerns regarding the government’s neutrality and the integrity of the upcoming election.​