Staff Reporter :
In a rare and high-stakes meeting held in London on Friday, Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman sat down for over 90 minutes of private talks at The Dorchester Hotel.
Political observers hailed the meeting as a “pivotal moment” for Bangladesh’s political future, with both sides expressing optimism about reaching a consensus on the next national election.
Following the meeting, National Security Adviser Khaleelur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury held a joint press conference, reading from a prepared statement. “The conversation took place in an exceptionally cordial environment,” Khaleelur noted, adding that both parties had reaffirmed their commitment to a timely and credible national election.
A key outcome of the talks was a tentative consensus on the election timeline. Tarique Rahman proposed that the general election be held before the start of Ramadan next year – preferably by the second week of February 2026, as Ramadan is expected to begin around 17 February.
Dr Yunus responded positively, reiterating his earlier stance of scheduling the polls in the first half of April 2026. However, he signalled flexibility, stating that if significant progress is made in judicial and reform processes, the election could be held in the week preceding Ramadan.
Tarique Rahman welcomed the Chief Adviser’s openness, stating during the briefing that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia also preferred that the elections be held before Ramadan.
Though the specifics of the closed-door conversation were not disclosed, both sides indicated alignment in principle on electoral reform, justice for political violence, and consensus-building initiatives. Amir Khosru confirmed that discussions had included the proposed “July Charter,” a national framework being debated back in Dhaka.
“Yes, the July Charter and broader reform issues are under discussion back home. We expect decisions to emerge through consensus,” Khosru said.
He also clarified that the reform process is not something to be concluded before the election alone. “We are building a new Bangladesh. This effort must continue both before and after the polls,” he emphasised.
Khaleelur Rahman reiterated that reform and justice were critical conditions for a credible vote. “We’re confident that significant progress will be visible before the election,” he said, to which Khosru added, “It will be completed.”
Regarding Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Khosru stated that there were “no legal barriers” and that he would return when the timing was right.
On the question of whether the emerging political party NCP’s demands for pre-election reforms were discussed, both advisers refrained from comment. “That’s a question for the NCP,” Khaleelur said, “but we want all parties on board.”
He also clarified that any potential shift in the election date to accommodate Ramadan would not be a deviation from the roadmap. “If reforms and justice proceed on schedule, a pre-Ramadan vote is within the existing framework,” he said.
Political analysts across the spectrum have welcomed the meeting as a possible turning point in resolving the months-long political impasse.
Professor Dr SM Ali Reza of Dhaka University told The New Nation, “The London meeting was highly anticipated and much needed. It may finally break the deadlock between the BNP and the interim government.”
He further noted that while there were attempts from foreign intelligence elements to derail or influence the meeting, they “largely failed.” He emphasised that Bangladesh’s politicians must now show maturity and a sense of national responsibility.
BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain echoed the sentiment, saying, “Dialogue can pave the way for resolving every dispute.”
In recent months, the BNP has maintained a firm stance demanding elections be held by December 2025, while the interim government has insisted on completing key reform and justice procedures before any election can take place.
Dr Yunus had previously announced, in a televised Eid-ul-Azha address on 6 June, that elections would be held in the first half of April 2026. He added that the Election Commission would publish the official roadmap at an appropriate time based on this framework.
During Friday’s briefing, Amir Khosru reiterated: “The reform work is a continuous process and will continue beyond the election.”
The press conference concluded on a note of unity and mutual satisfaction. When asked whether both camps were pleased with the outcome, Khaleelur Rahman and Amir Khosru responded together: “Absolutely satisfied.” Khaleelur added, “If we weren’t, there would be no joint statement.”
