BNP urges govt to inform EC of Yunus-Tarique's London meeting decision on election

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today (16 June) called upon the interim government to promptly inform the Election Commission (EC) of the decision to hold the national election in February next year, as discussed during the meeting between Professor Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman in London.

"We hope that the interim government will take steps to initiate the necessary process for a democratic transformation, and that the decision taken in the London meeting will soon be communicated to the Election Commission through the appropriate channel," he told a discussion.

The BNP leader said this will allow the Election Commission to inform people that it has received an advisory or directive message from the government.

Salahuddin also highlighted the need for future ratification of the decisions made by the Prof Yunus-led interim government. 

"This is something the interim government should keep in mind. If ratification is required, we will consider where and how this legitimacy will be granted," he said.

Nagorik Oikya organised the programme titled "Current Political Situation and National Budget 2025–26 in the Vision of a Welfare State" at the Jatiya Press Club.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman met for 90 minutes on Friday in London and agreed to hold the next election in the week before Ramadan 2026, instead of early April, if all preparations are completed in time.

A joint statement from the Chief Adviser and Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was issued following their meeting in London, indicating that the talks marked a turning point in dispelling the political stalemate and easing strained ties between the interim government and the country's largest political party.