After a successful meeting in London between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the BNP is now gearing up for the national election, likely to be held in the second week of February next.
Talking to UNB, senior BNP leaders said the meeting has brought hope and relief to national politics, paving the path for the much-needed stability.
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They believe it helped remove doubts about the election process and improved relations between the interim government and BNP and its allies.
They also feel that if the government remains sincere and committed, it will be able to announce the election schedule soon after completing necessary reforms, preparing the July Charter and starting trials of those involved in last year’s mass killing during the July–August Uprising.
BNP leaders hope Tarique Rahman will return home soon to lead the party and energise its members for a big win in the coming election.
The meeting was particularly significant in light of the government’s previous announcement that the next election would be held in April 2026. BNP strongly opposed this and demanded an earlier date, which raised tensions.
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Now, after the London meeting, BNP leaders are happy with the outcome and confident the election process will proceed smoothly.
Sources close to the government and the BNP said the one-hour-and-20-minute meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman was carefully planned. It became possible due to the personal commitment of both leaders, along with intense behind-the-scenes efforts by two senior advisers, several civil society members, foreign diplomats, and a close aide to Tarique.
They said the meeting was held in a friendly and respectful manner. Tarique focused on moving the election date from April to February.
As Professor Yunus agreed, saying elections could be held before Ramadan, they said Tarique showed willingness to cooperate with on reforms, the July Charter, and the trial of those involved in last year’s widespread killing to suppress the mass uprising.
Both leaders honoured the sacrifices of students and ordinary citizens and agreed that this was a chance to rebuild the country.
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The sources also said Tarique shared his vision for the future, while Professor Yunus made it clear that he has no political ambitions, saying his is only interested in making sure the election is fair and credible.
They said Tarique also praised some of the government’s steps to fix the economy and promised to support a smooth transition to democracy.
A BNP Standing Committee member confirmed that their Acting Chairman conveyed to Professor Yunus that if the party forms the next government, it will seek his advice and use his experience and international contacts to help rebuild the country.
With the election timeline now clearer, he said the BNP will begin full-scale preparations for the polls.
The BNP leader said most of the party’s promising candidates visited their constituencies during Eid-ul-Azha and were busy conducting mass contact campaigns.
He said Tarique has already begun working on preparing a list of suitable candidates, gathering information about them, and developing the party’s election strategy.
Besides, the BNP leader said they will soon begin talks with like-minded parties—such as Nagorik Oikya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rab), Revolutionary Workers Party, Ganasamhati Andolon, LDP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganoforum, National People’s Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Nationalist Democratic Movement, the 12-party Alliance, and Samomona Jote—about seat sharing in the election.
Contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman was very important for Bangladesh and its future. “It helped reduce uncertainty and opened the door for peaceful elections.
“There were many questions about whether elections would happen. But now, the country is moving forward to the polls. Some are talking about reforms and trails, but these won’t stop the election,” he said.
When asked if BNP is ready for the election, he replied that as a major political party, BNP is always prepared.
The BNP leader said their party will complete all formal steps before the election schedule is officially announced.
Once that happens, he said BNP will start selling nomination papers and select candidates through interviews.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed called the meeting ‘historic’ and a ‘victory for democracy’.
He said people in Bangladesh have waited a long time for free and fair elections, and now that goal is in sight.
The BNP leader believes a fair election will lead to a strong, democratic government and political stability.
Salahuddin praised both Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman for showing wisdom during their talks. “They agreed to hold the election in February, before Ramadan, after thinking about all the important issues.”
He said the meeting focused on both the present situation of the country and important issues about building the nation’s future.
BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said the meeting brought peace and hope after months of political uncertainty. “Now, everyone is ready for an election festival. We will move forward with that spirit,” he said.