BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, currently in London, believes that the one-on-one meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman marks the beginning of a “culture of tolerance in Bangladeshi politics.”
On Friday at around 7:30pm, Khasru said: “The nearly one-and-a-half-hour-long meeting held this morning (local time) in London between the two leaders was warm and cordial. There was mutual respect, and we witnessed a glimpse of what future politics could look like.”
When asked about the meeting, Khasru said: “The meeting was excellent and positive for shaping the future of Bangladesh’s politics. This step taken by the two leaders is a positive move toward the country’s democratic future, its development initiatives, its politics, and toward building a new dream for Bangladesh.”
He further emphasized: “This meeting between Yunus and Tarique showcases the political maturity of coming together for the country’s sake, of making decisions based on discussion and dialogue—something that needs to become a part of our political culture. Tolerance and mutual respect must be embedded in our politics.”
When asked about the duration of the meeting between the head of the interim government and the BNP acting chairman, Khasru said: “It lasted for more than an hour, probably around one and a half hours.”
Regarding whether the recent issues BNP has been discussing—such as ports or corridors—were raised in the meeting, Khasru responded: “It was a one-to-one meeting. In the first part, we were present, and the discussion centered on the election, especially the date. The rest of the meeting was one-on-one. I can’t say what was discussed there.”
Regarding how the leaders appeared after the meeting, Khasru said: “Very, very warm and respectful toward each other. We witnessed a remarkable example of national unity aimed at building the future of Bangladesh.”
Regarding whether the position of the ousted Awami League or its potential role in the next election came up in the meeting, the BNP senior leader said: “That was not discussed.”
When asked if the topic of trials was brought up, he responded: “That’s already on the table—the topics of justice and reform are ongoing processes.”
Regarding Tarique Rahman’s return to the country, Khasru replied: “I cannot say that. I can only speak for myself—I’ll return in two or three days. That decision is up to him.”
Additionally, commenting on the significance of the meeting, the BNP senior leader said: “This meeting is a significant step forward and represents a major milestone.”
‘Chief adviser was impressed’
Following the meeting with the chief adviser in London on Friday morning, several BNP members spoke with this reporter.
They mentioned that various other topics were discussed during the one-on-one segment.
One committee member said: “Yunus was very impressed with Tarique.”
A detailed discussion is expected in the upcoming standing committee meeting.
However, as of the time this report was written, no such meeting had been held.
A follow-up meeting may be called by Tarique early next week.
Though there had been speculation that other standing committee members, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and a prominent member, would travel to London, ultimately Tarique invited only Khasru.
A reliable source stated that the chief adviser’s office had also unofficially insisted that multiple BNP members travel to London.
‘Were port or corridor issues discussed?’
Prior to the meeting, several standing committee members told Bangla Tribune that the overall situation of the country would be discussed during the Yunus-Tarique meeting.
However, members also noted that, by protocol, many details from such meetings cannot be disclosed publicly.
In a joint statement released to the media after the meeting, it was confirmed that the discussion focused on the upcoming national election.
Yunus agreed to Tarique’s proposal, saying that if preparations are complete, the next election could be held during the week before Ramadan begins in 2026.
When asked whether other issues were also discussed, Khasru said: “I cannot say that.”
In a statement following the meeting, Fakhrul expressed sincere thanks to the head of the government and described the development as a message of relief and a new ray of hope.
‘A rare meeting’
BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said that such a meeting between the head of the government and the leader of the opposition is rare in political history.
Shairul said the meeting will serve as a model for future generations. “This meeting has raised the bar for national politics.”
He added: “The sincere efforts of the two top leaders to restore democracy and build the future of Bangladesh will be successful.”
Such meetings did not occur during the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, or Khaleda Zia.
However, during Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s tenure, a meeting between Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia was reportedly arranged by journalist Faiz Ahmed.
While in power, Hasina once invited Khaleda to a dialogue over the phone; however, Khaleda declined, citing prior political commitments.
The last such engagement before a general election occurred in 2018, when Sheikh Hasina met with the Jatiya Oikya Front led by Kamal Hossain.
The election was later rejected by opposition parties over allegations of vote-rigging.
Jamaat-e-Islami contested that election under the BNP's electoral symbol, “sheaf of paddy.”
BNP insiders believe that the recent meeting between Tarique and the head of government places new responsibilities and pressures on the party.
In particular, they must now respond to the situation with tolerance, develop strategies regarding Jamaat’s political maneuvering, and consider the role the Awami League may play in the next election.
