United News of Bangladesh

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.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Friday told BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman that if preparations are completed in time, the next general election could be held in the week preceding Ramadan in 2026, rather than in early April. However, in that case, significant progress would need to be made by then regarding reforms and the trial of the mass killings during the July-August mass uprising, said a joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman 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.” Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting in London ends  “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), said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting was scheduled to end at 4pm but concluded half an hour earlier than planned. Earlier, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam received Tarique Rahman upon his arrival at the hotel around 1:50pm.

As Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prepare for a formal meeting in London on Friday, a deep interest is building over the possible agenda and outcomes of the much-discussed dialogue between the two leaders. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Dorchester Hotel in London from 9:00am to 11:00am local time. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has already arrived in London ahead of the meeting. It remains unclear, however, whether the discussion will be held one-on-one. The high-profile meeting has already sparked significant curiosity in the country’s political arena. All eyes are now on London as many view this meeting as a potential turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming general election. BNP and other political parties hope the discussions will help resolve the ongoing political crisis surrounding the election and other key national issues. Although Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the agenda would be set by the two leaders themselves, BNP senior leaders and political analysts believe several core issues are likely to be raised. These include the election timeline, reforms, the July Charter, justice for the victims of the July–August mass uprising, a safe and orderly transition of power, ratification of decisions made by the interim government, a dignified exit strategy for the interim administration, and the potential return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. The meeting comes in the wake of Professor Yunus’ recent national address, where he announced that the 13th general election would be held in the first half of April next year. The BNP, which has persistently demanded the election be held by December this year, reacted with disappointment, terming the decision unilateral and unrealistic. BNP leaders view this meeting as a significant step towards resolving the impasse over the election schedule, suggesting that adjusting the timeline will be a central issue in the talks. All eyes now on Prof Yunus-Tarique talks amid strained BNP-govt ties “In the meeting, Tarique Rahman will clearly explain why April is not a suitable time for elections and why December would be more appropriate. However, if the Chief Adviser is open to considering February as a compromise, there may be room for flexibility,” said a BNP Standing Committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity.  He said Tarique Rahman may not object to an election held in January or February next year, before the start of Ramadan. The potential return of Tarique Rahman is also likely to be addressed, possibly paving the way for his return after 17 years in exile in London. There is a growing speculation within BNP ranks and on social media that he may return before 5 August this year. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently said Tarique Rahman would return “soon.” Meanwhile, Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told journalists on Thursday that there is no legal barrier to Tarique Rahman’s return. “He is a citizen of Bangladesh and can return at any time he wishes,” he said. Political analysts stressed that there is little room for failure in this historic meeting. They warned that unsuccessful talks could further deepen the ongoing political crisis. In the interest of national stability, they advised against disclosing the meeting’s details—such as discussion points, disagreements, and outcomes—too early, as it could spark conspiracy theories and derail initiatives intended for public benefit. Instead, they suggested that decisions be implemented gradually through formal processes. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said as this is a top-level meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique, all major national concerns are expected to be raised, particularly the setting of a suitable date for the general election. He said the importance of a neutral government, adherence to the rule of law, respect for court rulings, national security, and broader political considerations would also be discussed with much importance. “Reforms may also be a discussion point. We are approaching this with a positive mindset. We hope a nationally acceptable solution or decision will emerge from this high-level meeting,” the BNP leader said. Salahuddin suggested the meeting could ease political tensions and bridge key differences. Responding to whether the Chief Adviser might be persuaded to bring the election date forward from April, he said, “We are hopeful that once the two leaders meet, this issue—and many others—will be resolved through constructive dialogue.” He expressed optimism that Professor Yunus would revise the proposed schedule and agree to a more pragmatic timeline, taking into account weather conditions, Ramadan, and public examinations. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said, “The uncertainty and confusion surrounding democracy and elections in Bangladesh—the dark clouds that have formed—will begin to clear through this meeting.” He voiced hope that the meeting would lay the groundwork for justice, urgent reforms, prompt election, and bringing back the laundered money to rebuild the country. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the people are deeply engaged in the unfolding discussions and eagerly awaits the two leaders’ positions on reforms, the election, its timing, and any consensus reached on these critical matters. He anticipated a positive outcome that could promote peace and stability. The BNP leader also hoped that the meeting would help find constructive solutions to the country’s pressing political challenges. Political analyst and University of Dhaka Professor of Political Science Dr Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman said he believes the outcome will be positive. “I expect both sides will reach an understanding through discussion,” he said. “There is no room for failure. If the talks fail, multiple crises could emerge. But we believe that while differences are natural in talks, both sides will ultimately prioritise national interest, make concessions, and reach agreements. The entire nation is hopeful for such a resolution,” he observed.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and acting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman may discuss various issues during their meeting on Friday (June 13), but it is up to them to decide what topics they will talk about, said CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Briefing the media, Alam said Tarique Rahman is a leader of the biggest political party in Bangladesh and Prof Yunus is the head of interim government. "They will sit and discuss issues in their own way. They will decide what they will discuss," said the Press Secretary while responding to a question. He said there is no specific format for the meeting but anything, including the current political situation, election timeline announced by the Chief Adviser, reform and July Charter can be discussed. Commonwealth offers support in Bangladesh's reforms ahead of election Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Minister (Press) Bangladesh High Commission in London Akbar Hossain were present at the media briefing. Prof Yunus arrived in London on Tuesday on a four-day official visit but all eyes are on a scheduled meeting with BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on June 13 which is seen as a significant political development. "We hope this meeting will play a positive role in overcoming Bangladesh's political crisis. Personally, I believe that in the current political context, this could be a turning point," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. Describing it as a "major political event", Fakhrul said many issues could be resolved, a new dimension will emerge and possibilities will be created. “Our acting Chairman has been formally invited to a meeting on June 13 from 9am to 11am London time,” said Fakhrul while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The meeting will take place at the hotel where the Chief Adviser is currently staying in London. Tarique convened a meeting on Monday evening with the party’s Standing Committee members to discuss the upcoming meeting. “Our standing committee meeting welcomed the initiative. We hope this meeting will play a positive role in resolving the challenges facing the political landscape of Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said.