United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday said holding a national election is the only option for the interim government to restore democracy in the country. “There is no other way but an election to return democratic, political and constitutional rights to people. The two leaders (Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman) agreed on this issue during the London meeting,” he said. Khosru, who accompanied BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Dorchester Hotel in London, made the remarks while speaking to reporters outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from London in the morning. Asked about the criticisms made by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party (NCP) opposing the joint statement issued after the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique on Friday, he said, "I do believe if we truly believe in democracy, then everyone should have the opportunity to express their opinion.” BNP urges govt to inform EC of London meeting decision on election   “So, everyone has the right to share their views. I think this is one of the greatest strengths of our democracy — that everyone can voice their own opinion. We must move forward keeping that in mind," the BNP leader said. Emphasising the urgency of the election, he said people in Bangladesh have not been able to vote freely over the past two decades. “The younger generation has never experienced voting. That’s why they want a democratic transition through an election as soon as possible.” The BNP leader expressed the hope that the country will move forward on the path of democracy, as people have made huge sacrifices and carried out a long struggle to restore it. In response to a question on reforms and the trial process of fascist elements, Khosru said reforms depend on consensus and are part of an ongoing process. “Reforms will not end before the election and will continue even after it.” Speaking about the trial of fascists, he said it is also an ongoing process and depends on the judiciary. “The judiciary will carry out the trials, and efforts are being made to bring the accused under legal proceedings. There are roughly six more months to bring them under trial, and if that is not completed within this period, the next elected government will take responsibility.” On political consensus, the BNP leader said the more decisions are taken through mutual understanding among political parties, the better it is for the nation. "It is because of our consensus that we have been able to remove the autocratic and fascist regime. So, we will try to make decisions based on consensus wherever possible," he said. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi On the possible timing of the election, Khosru said BNP has no major objection if the election is held in February. “We have always favoured holding the election as early as possible. If the timeline shifts from December to February, it’s not a big matter. What matters most is making decisions through consensus.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday called upon the interim government to promptly inform the Election Commission (EC) of the decision to hold the national election in February next year, as discussed during the meeting between Professor Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London. “We hope that the interim government will take steps to initiate the necessary process for a democratic transformation, and that the decision taken in the London meeting will soon be communicated to the Election Commission through the appropriate channel,” he told a discussion. The BNP leader said this will enable the Election Commission to inform the people that it has received an advisory or directive message from the government. Salahuddin also highlighted the need for future ratification of the decisions made by the Prof Yunus-led interim government. He, however, said there was no discussion about granting the interim government indemnity during the London meeting. "Since Saiful Haque Bhai (from the Revolutionary Workers Party) asked whether the issue of indemnity was discussed in London, no, there was no such discussion." British envoy meets Fakhrul; discusses election, political situation The BNP leader said the advisory council of the interim government was formed with constitutional legitimacy. “It has been formed under Article 106 of the Constitution, based on the Supreme Court's advisory rule. The interim government’s Chief Adviser and other advisers are in place. Since the Constitution is currently in effect, the government is running constitutionally.” As per the Constitution, he said the advisers are to hold the status of ministers. “According to Article 66, a minister must have the qualifications of a Member of Parliament. I would remind the advisers to be mindful of this. Foreign citizenship is also not allowed there, and there are several other matters.” BNP leader urges unity, downplays debate over Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting Salahuddin said the interim government will also need ratification by the next Parliament as per the Constitution. “This is something the interim government should keep in mind. If ratification is required, we will consider where and how this legitimacy will be granted,” he said. Nagorik Oikya organised the programme titled “Current Political Situation and National Budget 2025–26 in the Vision of a Welfare State” at the Jatiya Press Club. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met for 90 minutes on Friday in London and agreed to hold the next election in the week before Ramadan 2026, instead of early April, if all preparations are completed in time. A joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London, indicating that the talks marked a turning point in dispelling the political stalemate and easing strained ties between the interim government and the country’s largest political party. About the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, Salahuddin said this year’s budget does not include any measures to reduce inflation, although it is growing. “Ten months is enough time to prepare a budget. Even an elected government doesn’t work all twelve months to prepare a budget as they focus on it three to four months before the announcement. But the interim government's budget is just a traditional one.”

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday and discussed various issues related to the upcoming national election and the prevailing political situation in the country. The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, began around 10:30am at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Organising Secretary Shama Obaed were also present during the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Dr Moyeen Khan said detailed discussions were held on various issues, including the overall political situation in Bangladesh, the outcome of the discussions held in London on June 13 between Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the subsequent reaction and situation, the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and further areas of cooperation. He said there was a long discussion on Bangladesh’s relations with its neighbouring countries, considering its geographical location. Mirza Fakhrul meets EU delegation   

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anne on Sunday called upon all political parties to stay united for the sake of democracy and rebuilding Bangladesh, instead of creating unnecessary debate over the recent meeting between Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London. “Some people were objecting to this meeting, but I think it does not go with the spirit of democracy. It is not justified. There is still time. I believe every party should come together in the greater interest of democracy,” he said while speaking at a milad and doa mahfil. Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal organised the programme on the ground floor of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, seeking the complete recovery of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the speedy recovery of party Religious Affairs Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jamal. Following the ouster of the fascist regime through the July-August mass uprising, Anne said all parties should move forward maintaining unity. “That unity is possible under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.” He said a joint statement was issued following a warm meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique on Friday, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the country’s people. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi “It is the goal of all of us who fought against fascism to build a better Bangladesh. The foundation of democracy will be weakened if the anti-fascist political parties remain divided,” the BNP leader observed. He also said there should not have been any heartburn among political parties over the meeting held in London. Anne criticised Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman for his comment that there was favouritism towards a specific party in the meeting. Stating that everyone knows the reason behind Tarique’s exile in London, Anne questioned why this meeting is now being criticised. He pointed out that Jamaat had met the Chief Adviser several times, but Tarique could not do so earlier as he has been staying abroad. In the current context, he said, the meeting was important for Bangladesh’s election, reforms and justice, just like the meetings held inside the country with other political parties. The BNP leader said had Tarique been in the country, his meeting with the Chief Adviser would not have taken place abroad. He said Tarique Rahman has announced a 31-point state reform outline as BNP is against the rule of one-party and one-person. If BNP is voted to power, Anne said it will form a national government with all the parties who were part of the movement against the fascist Awami League regime.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed concerns that the neutrality of the interim government has been compromised by the joint press conference and statement following the chief adviser’s meeting with 'a political party' in London. The party alleged that the chief adviser’s meeting with 'a political leader', meaning Tarique Rahman, in London during his UK visit, and the joint press briefing and statement, undermines Bangladesh’s political culture and suggests favouritism toward a particular party. Jamaat contends that such actions threaten the perceived impartiality of the government. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi These remarks were made during a Jamaat executive council meeting at the party’s central office in Dhaka on Saturday, chaired by its Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. According to the statement, on June 13, the chief adviser’s meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London was considered routine by Jamaat. It also mentioned that the interim government’s chief adviser has previously held both separate and joint meetings with various political entities. It further said that in his address to the nation on June 6, the chief adviser announced the roadmap for the national elections in the first half of April 2026. The party believes it was appropriate for him to engage with multiple political parties after his London meeting with Tarique Rahman and to share his perspectives. Prof Yunus-Tarique talks a 'game-over' moment for conspirators: Shafiqul Alam The party criticised the joint press conference, stating that it was morally inappropriate for the head of the government to publicly align with a single party. Jamaat expressed concern that such actions have fuelled doubts among the public regarding the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections. Jamaat urged the interim government to ensure a level playing field for free, fair, and credible elections and called for decisive measures to uphold justice and reform. Prof Yunus, Tarique agree on pre-Ramadan election if preparations complete   In addition, the executive council of Jamaat called on the government to clarify the role of the chief adviser, emphasising the need to dispel doubts about the government’s impartiality and to foster confidence in the electoral process.

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. Prof Yunus-Tarique London meeting raises hope, shows democratic direction: Dudu “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.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Saturday said people feel reassured after the London meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as it signals the country’s democracy is moving in the right direction. “The meeting that took place in London yesterday (Friday) between Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has taken the democratic movement to a higher level, bringing back a sense of relief,” he told a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. Dudu said this meeting encouraged the strength of the democratic movement in Bangladesh and assured the democratic forces that democracy will remain on the right path in the coming days. He said the Chief Adviser’s London meeting with Tarique will be written in Bangladesh history in golden words, and this meeting was expected. “For this, I thank Dr Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman on behalf of this meeting and myself,” the BNP leader said. Janatar Odhikar Party organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club. Dudu said Tarique Rahman has taken a positive step towards democracy through his meeting with the Chief Adviser. “No matter how far away he may be, he now lives in the hearts of people. The support, trust and confidence that people have in him is truly unprecedented.” The BNP leader said many of those who once criticised Tarique are now among his supporters and admirers. After the ouster of the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, he said the nation’s ultimate goal was to establish democracy, an elected government and restore the people’s right to vote. For the last fifteen years, Dudu said people have not been able to vote for their preferred candidate and party as Sheikh Hasina resorted to deception in the name of voting. He said Hasina has established such a controlled system of rigging in the name of elections that, although people stood in line in front of polling stations, there was no actual voting, and democratic parties of the people of this country could not participate in the polls. The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina propagated such so-called voting as elections both at home and abroad. He alleged that neighbouring India, which wears the mask of democracy, recognised those elections and congratulated Sheikh Hasina with garlands of flowers. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique “It seems to me that our neighbouring country, which claims to be a friendly and democratic nation, is the most dangerous force for democracy, and we need to be aware of them,” Dudu said. He said the spirit of the mass uprising in July–August 2024 will only be fulfilled when democracy is firmly established in the country. The BNP leader described the uprising as a positive beginning for Bangladesh, but emphasised that elections are essential for the true establishment of democracy. “All democratic parties in Bangladesh who have taken part in movements and struggles support the election. Some want them sooner, some later—but at present, there is no political party in Bangladesh that does not want elections.” While democratic parties may have differences of opinion, Dudu said, they are united in their support for democracy and the election. He, however, cautioned that this unity must not be undermined by internal disputes or overexcitement. The BNP leader stressed that those who were martyred or injured in the struggle for democracy must not be forgotten so quickly. Over the past 15 to 16 years, he said, leaders and activists from pro-democratic parties, including the BNP, have been martyred, disappeared, or imprisoned while fighting for democratic rights. Dudu recalled that nearly 4,750 BNP leaders and activists have been subjected to killings or enforced disappearances. He said nearly 2,000 others, including young people and children, were martyred during the July–August movement, with many still undergoing treatments in hospitals. “They must not be forgotten so easily.  We need to stand by them, understand their demands and hopes, and work together to build a Bangladesh free from injustice and discrimination.” Prof Yunus, Tarique agree on pre-Ramadan election if preparations complete    

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met for 90 minutes and agreed to hold the next election in the week before Ramadan 2026, instead of early April, if all preparations are completed in time. A joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London, indicating that the talks marked a turning point in dispelling political stalemate and easing strained ties between the interim government and the country’s largest political party. Reading out the statement at a joint press conference at the Dorchester Hotel in London after the meeting, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman said the talks between Tarique and Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus were held in a very cordial atmosphere. The statement said Tarique Rahman proposed to the Chief Adviser that the national election be held a week before Ramadan next year. “BNP 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 the 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.” Earlier, the high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly one and a half 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). The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm (BST) but concluded half an hour earlier than planned. Addressing the press conference, Dr Khalilur expressed the hope that the Election Commission will soon announce a date for the next national election. “There is no problem over the election time. We don’t see any problem…  We both sides in the joint statement talked about (our position on) the election, and we hope the Election Commission will soon announce a date for the election,” he said. Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting clears uncertainty, paves path for polls: Fakhrul Both Dr Khalilur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury who also joined the press conference said they were happy with the outcome of the meeting. “We’re surely satisfied. We also said that not only before the election, but also after the election, we all will work together for building the country,” said Khosru. Echoing the BNP leader, Dr Khalilur said, “The joint statement would not have been issued if both sides were not satisfied.” Replying to a question over July charter and reform, Amir Khosru said there is already a decision that the July Charter would be framed based on consensus. “We will make both the July Charter and reforms following consensus. I’m confident we can reach a decision soon in this regard,” he said. The BNP leader said all important issues normally came up for discussion in the meeting as there is a determination to build a new Bangladesh. “We move ahead with a determination to build a new Bangladesh. We all want to work together to fulfill the determination we have taken to build the country. We will take forward the determination we have agreed on to build Bangladesh not only before the election, but also after the election," he said. Amir Khosru said the Chief Adviser, Tarique Rahman and all others said the same thing -- whatever issues are agreed upon will be implemented as reforms.  Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul Asked about Tarique Rahman’s possible return to Bangladesh, Khosru said, “We don’t think it’s necessary to discuss here in the meeting. Mr Tarique Rahman can return to the country whenever he wants. So, he will take this decision in due time.” In reply to a question about the newly formed Nationalist Citizen Party’s (NCP) announcement that it would not participate in the election without reforming the Election Commission, Dr Khalilur said, “You should ask them (NCP). Every party has its own opinion, but we want to hold the election with participation of all.” When asked whether the government is shifting from its April election timeline, Dr Khalilur said, “If all preparations are completed on time and there is sufficient progress in reforms and justice, it can certainly be done (the election may be held earlier).” Amir Khosru the meeting started with the two delegations and later moved to a one-on-one discussion between the duo (Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman). The discussion between them (the two persons) lasted for a long time.” CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was present during the joint briefing. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir 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. EC expected to announce next election date soon, says Khalilur after Dr Yunus-Tarique talks 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. The BNP leader 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. Later in a statement, Fakhrul said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman removed uncertainty and brought a message of relief and new hope through a fruitful consensus to hold the next national election before Ramadan.  “We sincerely thank Prof Muhammad Yunus for determining a logical timeframe for the election by stepping away from the previously announced unfavourable April timeline, connecting the expectations and achievements of the entire Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Stating that the Chief Adviser has made a timely decision realising the aspirations of people, Fakhrul said it was a move worthy of appreciation. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Holding the principle of 'Bangladesh first' in his heart, the BNP leader said Tarique has proven, as always, that his highest priority is the country's interests, sovereignty and stability. “He (Tarique) has demonstrated a sense of responsibility by making concessions in response to the needs of the time. 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. By gifting the Chief Adviser two books titled 'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' and 'Nature Matters: Vital Poems from the Global Majority' and a pen, the BNP leader said Tarique ushered in a new trend of political courtesy and knowledge-based state thinking. “We believe that through this harmony and consensus between the largest political party and the head of the interim government, democracy will lead to a victory for democracy, Bangladesh and its people,” he observed. The BNP leader said the expectation now is that the interim government will begin all-out preparations to hold elections before next Ramadan, keeping its stated position intact.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman removed uncertainty and brought a new hope through a fruitful consensus to hold the next national election before Ramadan. "The fruitful consensus reached in this meeting on holding the national election before the upcoming Ramadan has dispelled uncertainty and brought a message of relief and new hope for the people of the country," he said in a statement. The BNP leader said the meeting --held in London in a very cordial atmosphere --ensured Bangladesh’s victory. “We sincerely thank Prof Muhammad Yunus for determining a logical timeframe for the election by stepping away from the previously announced unfavourable April timeline, connecting the expectations and achievements of the entire Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. Stating that the Chief Adviser has made a timely decision realising the aspirations of people, Fakhrul said it was a move worthy of appreciation. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Holding the principle of 'Bangladesh first' in his heart, the BNP leader said Tarique has proven, as always, that his highest priority is the country's interests, sovereignty and stability. “He (Tarique) has demonstrated a sense of responsibility by making concessions in response to the needs of the time. 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," he said. By gifting the Chief Adviser two books titled 'No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference' and 'Nature Matters: Vital Poems from the Global Majority' and a pen, the BNP leader said Tarique ushered in a new trend of political courtesy and knowledge-based state thinking. “We believe this cordial understanding between the head of the largest political party and the Chief Adviser of the interim government will lead to a victory for democracy, for Bangladesh, and for the people,” Fakhrul said. “We believe that through this harmony and consensus between the largest political party and the head of the interim government, democracy will lead to a victory for democracy, Bangladesh and its people,” he observed. The BNP leader said the expectation now is that the interim government will begin all-out preparations to hold elections before next Ramadan, keeping its stated position intact. Election in mid-February as Chief Adviser agrees: Fakhrul The high-stake meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique ended after nearly one and a half 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. It was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned.

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. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique Praising the leadership of BNP’s acting chairman, Mirza Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman, through this meeting, has once again demonstrated that he possesses the statesmanlike qualities that set him apart among the leaders of political parties in Bangladesh. He said the entire nation was anxious about the outcome of the meeting, but Tarique made the meeting a success. “On behalf of our party and all its leaders and activists, I extend heartfelt thanks to Tarique Rahman.” Noting that there was uncertainty all around, the BNP leader said, “Many were saying many things. But today, the two leaders have proved that the people of Bangladesh can still unite in the time of national need—and that the leaders can indeed lead,” Fakhrul said. He also described the Chief Adviser’s message for bringing forward the election timeline as good news for the country’s democracy. 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 a 90-minute 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.