Amid Bangladesh’s current turbulent political landscape, the recent meeting in London between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP leader Tarique Rahman has stirred both cautious optimism and deep curiosity. While their joint statement and smiling public gestures projected consensus, the behind-the-scenes one-on-one session lasting nearly 90 minutes has triggered widespread speculation: What exactly was agreed upon, and what does it mean for the country’s fragile transition?
From what was officially conveyed, it appears both leaders have tentatively agreed to a national election in February 2026. This development, if sincere, can play a pivotal role in restoring a measure of political stability, especially after months of unrest, deepening uncertainty, and growing tension between the BNP and the interim administration.
However, key questions remain. Political actors and segments of civil society are keen to know whether issues of national interest, such as, strategic infrastructure, port access, transit corridors, etc were featured in the discussion. In a democratic society, such anxieties are valid and sensible. The people of the country who have endured fascist autocracy in the last one and a half decade deserve transparency and clarity on issues affecting the country's sovereignty.
After the London meeting, it seems not all political parties are pleased. Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) have raised concerns over the exclusivity and venue of the meeting as it was held in London. Their unease is twofold: First, that a deal of national consequence was struck outside the country; and second, that it bypassed the spirit forged during the July Uprising. The NCP in particular continues to emphasize its commitment to the “July charter,” a symbolic reference to the demands and aspirations of the youth-led uprising that challenged the authoritarian regime.
Despite these criticisms, many observers believe the London meeting has shifted the tone of political discourse in a positive direction. The apparent gap and tensions between the BNP and the interim government narrowed, which suggests a willingness to move forward, and at least, for now, some of the gridlock has been eased.
Yet, the pathway to credible election is far from clear. For the February 2026 polls to carry legitimacy, the country must witness urgent and tangible reforms. Institutional overhaul, judicial acceleration, administrative neutrality etc are not optional aspirations but prerequisites. Professor Yunus has repeatedly spoken of his commitment to delivering “the fairest election in Bangladesh’s history.”
That pledge must now be matched with visible action.
The interim government, while legally non-partisan, has not been free from criticism. Its perceived proximity to the NCP has led many to question its neutrality. Furthermore, the absence of significant institutional reforms over the past ten months, combined with the slow pace of transitional justice, fuels public skepticism. These shortcomings must be addressed without delay if the electoral process is to inspire public confidence.
The recurring political catchphrase of a “level playing field” is back in vogue. Both Jamaat and the NCP have invoked it. But what does it truly mean under a neutral and interim setup? When no party is supposed to dominate state machinery, how is fairness defined? Merely invoking neutrality is not enough -- the public needs proof, reassignments in key posts, robust electoral laws, non-interference in campaign, and equal media access for all parties.
For the BNP, this is both a test and an opportunity. Having re-entered the political mainstream, it now faces rising public expectations. The party must go beyond rhetoric and present a comprehensive plan for national reforms, how it would restructure the state, build inclusive governance, and reconnect with the public through grassroots participation. People expect vision, integrity, and reform.
At the heart of this political reconfiguration lies the July Uprising. The uprising was not a mere partisan movement. It was a student-led rebellion against authoritarianism, inequality, and injustice while everyone irrespective of caste, race, religion, politics joined the movement. It was an eruption of democratic will and collective courage. Thousands marched, many were injured, thousands martyred -- all in pursuit of a better future of the country. If the upcoming political process disregards this spirit, it risks betraying a historic moment of civic resistance.
Meanwhile, emerging parties like the NCP must declare their vision and position publicly. Allegations of corruption and suspected alignment with Jamaat have already put them under scrutiny. If they want to remain part of the democratic transition, they must articulate a clear political agenda and maintain ethical standards. The possibility of an NCP-Jamaat alliance raises legitimate concerns. Such alignments, if left ambiguous, could derail the pluralistic ethos that the uprising fought to instill.
Professor Yunus and his government must recognize their unique role. They were entrusted with stewarding the nation from chaos to order, from autocracy to accountable governance. That role cannot be fulfilled with slogans alone. It demands urgency, honesty, and structural actions.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on the roadmap to the election. But election is not an end in itself. It is a gateway to democratic renewal, to justice, to healing. The momentum generated by the July Uprising must not be squandered in elite deals or opaque compromises. The people’s revolution on the streets cannot be silenced in boardrooms.
And the youth, the driving force of the uprising, will not forgetwhat led to the previous regime’s downfall. Their passion, pain, and political clarity will not fade. As one powerful slogan from the streets declared: “There’s a raging storm within our chest; we bare our hearts, fire on chest, do your best.”
This is a reminder to all political actors: The people are watching everything happening around. The youth are waiting. And history, as always, is taking notes.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud is a poet and human rights activist. He can be reached at [email protected]
