All eyes now on Yunus-Tarique talks amid strained BNP-govt ties

Although BNP's relations with the interim government have visibly soured in recent weeks, especially over the timing of the next general election, all eyes are now on the much-hyped meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

The meeting, scheduled to be held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 13 June, is drawing intense attention both at home and abroad and is likely to be a one-to-one discussion from 9:00am to 11:00am, local time.

Senior leaders of BNP and its alliance partners believe the talks between Muhammad Yunus and Tarique could prove to be a turning point in resolving political deadlock, fostering consensus and creating space for negotiation.

The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of the chief adviser's recent address to the nation announcing that the 13th general election will be held in the first half of April next year.

The BNP, which has consistently demanded that the election be held by December this year, reacted with frustration, calling the decision unilateral and impractical. The party has since been vocal in urging the government to reconsider.

Now, party insiders say the proposed meeting could offer a breakthrough.

BNP leaders view the meeting as a significant step towards overcoming the impasse over the election timeline and hinted that bringing the election date forward from April will be the central focus of the meeting.

Besides, BNP leaders said other crucial matters are expected to be on the agenda, including reforms, trial of mass killing during the July-August mass uprising, a safe and orderly transition of power, a safe exit for the interim government, and Tarique Rahman's potential return to Bangladesh.

"In the meeting, Tarique Rahman will clearly explain why April is not a suitable time for the elections and why December would be more appropriate. But, if the Chief Adviser is willing to consider February as a compromise, there might be room for flexibility," said a BNP standing committee member wishing anonymity.

Contacted for comment, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, "We believe this meeting will lead to constructive negotiations on moving politics forward and restoring democracy through a credible national election. It will offer a glimmer of hope for overcoming the challenges we currently face."

Mosharraf noted that the issue of the election would be a central focus of the discussions. "Our acting chairman will present the party's position on the national election. We believe December is the most suitable time to hold the polls, while April poses several challenges. We hope the chief adviser will take this into consideration and revise the election schedule accordingly," he said.

When asked whether the BNP would be open to an election in February—before Ramadan, public examinations, and the onset of unfavourable weather—he said the party has entrusted Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman with full authority to make necessary decisions.

"It is now up to the Chief Adviser to revisit his stance on the election timeline. However, our party continues to stand firm on its preference for holding the election by December this year," the BNP leader said.

Another BNP Standing Committee member Dr Moyeen Khan said the interim government may be shifting away from its previously rigid position regarding the election timeline, acknowledging the need to move from a confrontational approach to one of reconciliation.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said he believes the meeting between the head of the interim government and the BNP's acting chairman is not only necessary but also a matter of political decency.

He said such a discussion could help address key political challenges and reduce tensions and bridge differences between the sides.

When asked about the potential topics of discussion between Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus, Salahuddin said the conversation would centre on the overall political landscape and the future course of action. "This would include setting a suitable date for the national election, ensuring the interim government's neutrality, and upholding the rule of law."

He said the discussion would also touch on crucial matters concerning national security, politics and the broader national context.

In response to whether the meeting could persuade the Chief Adviser to bring the election date forward from April, Salahuddin said, "We are hopeful that once the two leaders meet, this issue—and many others—will be resolved through constructive dialogue."

He expressed optimism that the Chief Adviser would reconsider the proposed election schedule and agree to a more pragmatic timeline, taking into account factors such as the weather, Ramadan and public examinations.

As a liberal democratic party, Salahuddin said, the BNP has always believed in resolving issues through discussion. "We believe the meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman can settle key concerns and help ensure a smooth democratic transition."

Mustafa Jamal Haider, the head of the 12-party alliance, a political ally of BNP, said the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique is very important in the current political situation of the country. "We believe that the fog surrounding the country's politics and the election date will be cleared through this meeting," he said.

Jamal Haider said a gap or disagreement between the interim government and BNP and its like-mined parties have created over reform, election and some other issues. "We hope that a suitable solution will be found through this meeting."

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Chairman of Nagorik Oikya, another alliance partner of the BNP, said the meeting would pave the way for holding a fair and credible election, as well as for a democratic transition. "It will surely yield a positive outcome in line with the aspirations of the people."