BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has proposed to interim government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus that the next national parliamentary election be held before the upcoming Ramadan.
In response, Dr Yunus said that it would be possible to arrange the election before Ramadan, provided that sufficient progress is made on reforms and justice-related issues.
These details were disclosed in a joint statement issued after their much-anticipated meeting at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday.
Following the meeting, a joint press conference was held at the same venue, where National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed the media.
The press conference was moderated by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Earlier that day, at 9am London time (2pm Bangladesh time), Tarique Rahman arrived at the Dorchester Hotel. Hundreds of BNP leaders and activists from London had already gathered outside the venue, chanting slogans in his support.
Upon arrival, Tarique was greeted by Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, who then escorted him to the designated meeting room.
Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed him at the door, and together they entered the meeting room.
During the initial greetings, Tarique conveyed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s regards and inquired about Yunus’s well-being.
What followed was an intense, closed-door meeting that lasted nearly an hour and a half.
According to the joint statement issued after the meeting, the discussions between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman took place in a very cordial atmosphere.
Tarique proposed that the parliamentary elections be held before Ramadan next year, noting that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also believes that this would be an ideal timeframe.
The chief adviser responded by reiterating his previously announced plan to hold the election in the first half of April next year.
If preparations proceed smoothly, the election could even be held in the week before Ramadan in 2026.
However, this would depend on significant progress in reforms and justice-related matters during that period.
Tarique welcomed this position and expressed his party’s gratitude, while Yunus also thanked Tarique for the constructive dialogue.
After the written statement was read out, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam informed journalists that they would take seven questions, which could be directed to National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman or BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.
The Q&A session then commenced.
When asked whether the meeting focused solely on the election or also addressed broader political issues, Amir Khasru replied: “Naturally, all issues were discussed. We are moving forward with a shared commitment to build a new Bangladesh. Everyone wants to work together toward this goal.”
Commenting on the government's broader reform agenda, Khasru said: “Reform is an ongoing process. It’s not that everything must be completed before the election. Some reforms will be implemented beforehand, wherever there is consensus, and others will continue afterward.
"Since we are committed to rebuilding the country, everyone acknowledges the need for reforms. So, the process will continue both before and after the election.”
Asked whether the government might deviate from the election timeline announced in April, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said: “This has been clearly addressed in the joint statement. As you heard, if everything is completed on time and significant progress is made on reforms and justice, the election can certainly be held.”
Adding to that, Amir Khasru noted: “The meeting began with both delegations present, and later Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman held an extended one-on-one discussion.”
The final question at the press conference was: “Are you satisfied?”
Both Khalilur Rahman and Amir Khasru responded in unison: “Of course, we are satisfied.”
Wrapping up the briefing, Khalilur added: “If we weren’t satisfied, there wouldn’t have been a joint statement.”
