A high-stakes political meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has officially begun in London, amid hopes for a breakthrough in the ongoing political crisis ahead of the general election.
The meeting began at the Dorchester hotel in London at 2pm Bangladesh time on Friday, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder.
The two-hour meeting—expected to be one-on-one but open to expansion if the leaders choose—comes at a time of rising tension over the timing of the next national election.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, along with Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, welcomed Tarique upon his arrival at the hotel around 1:50pm.
Several hundred leaders and activists from the BNP’s UK chapter had gathered at the meeting venue ahead of the meeting to welcome Tarique.
The high-profile meeting has sparked significant interest in the country’s political arena.
All eyes are now on London, as many see this as a potential turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming election.
Senior BNP leaders and political analysts believe several key issues are likely to be discussed.
These include the election timeline, proposed reforms, the July charter, justice for the victims of the July uprising, a safe and orderly transfer of power, ratification of decisions made by the interim government, a dignified exit strategy for the interim administration, and the possible return of Tarique to Bangladesh.
“This is going to be a very important meeting for Bangladesh ahead of the election,” said Shafiqul Alam. “One of them is the chief of the interim government and the other the chief of the largest political party of Bangladesh.”
The meeting follows Yunus’s recent national address in which he announced that the 13th general election will be held in the first half of April next year.
The BNP, which has repeatedly demanded the election be held by December this year, reacted with disappointment, calling the decision unilateral and unrealistic.
BNP leaders consider this meeting a significant step towards resolving the deadlock over the election schedule, suggesting that adjusting the timeline will be a central issue in the talks.
BNP insiders believe Tarique will argue that holding the election in April is not practical, citing weather conditions, Ramadan and public examinations.
A compromise date in January or February may be proposed, should the chief adviser show willingness.
Another sensitive issue is the possible return of Tarique to Bangladesh, ending his 17 years of exile in London.
Though there has been no official confirmation, BNP leaders and social media speculation suggest that his return may take place before August 5.
Tarique is also expected to raise concerns about his personal security and may seek necessary arrangements in this regard.
Political analysts, including Dr Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman of Dhaka University, said the outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the national political climate. “There is no room for failure,” he said, urging both sides to prioritize national interest and reach a workable agreement.
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said that as this is a top-level meeting between Yunus and Tarique, all major national concerns are expected to be raised, particularly 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 will also be discussed with much importance.
Salahuddin added that the meeting could ease political tensions and bridge key differences.
He expressed optimism that Yunus would revise the proposed election schedule and agree to a more pragmatic timeline, taking into account weather conditions, Ramadan and public examinations.