In what is being considered a pivotal political development, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to meet BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday morning in London. This marks their first face-to-face encounter since the political upheaval of August 5 last year, which saw a transitional government assume control in Dhaka.
The closed-door meeting, scheduled for 9am London time (2pm in Bangladesh), will take place at the Dorchester Hotel. While the exact duration remains uncertain, both BNP and government sources confirmed its high importance, particularly in light of unresolved issues such as election timing and structural reforms.
Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has already arrived in London from Dhaka, while other party figures currently in the UK may also attend. However, both sides have indicated that Yunus and Tarique will hold a significant portion of the meeting in private.
Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, said in a video message: There will be a one-on-one meeting. If the leaders decide others should join, that will be mutually agreed upon.
BNP insiders say the party has briefed Tarique Rahman on key positions to convey, with the timing of the upcoming general election being central.
In his recent Eid address to the nation, Yunus proposed holding elections in early April 2026. BNP intends to request reconsideration of this timeline, potentially showing flexibility by stepping back from its December demand in exchange for a mid-February poll date before Ramadan. However, if the interim government remains firm on April, compromise may prove difficult.
Two other issues expected to come up include BNP’s longstanding objection to three ‘controversial’ advisers within the current administration and their demand for removal. BNP also wants removal of beneficiaries of the former Awami League from the administration.
While reform is another likely discussion point, BNP officials say Tarique Rahman will not raise it unprompted, as the party has already conveyed its position to the National Consensus Commission. He holds full authority to respond should Dr. Yunus initiate such a discussion.
“There is no fixed agenda,” Shafiqul Alam reiterated. “Any current national issue may be discussed, from the upcoming election and the July Charter to the overall political situation.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the meeting as the “biggest political event” of the current phase, suggesting it could open “an entirely new horizon” in Bangladesh’s political future.