by
11 June, 2025 : The upcoming meeting in London between BNP’s Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman and Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus is seen as a significant opportunity for both sides, according to political analysts. They believe this meeting could resolve the ongoing deadlock over the national election timeline. Politicians are hopeful that it will clear uncertainties surrounding the election and usher in a positive phase for Bangladesh’s politics.
Speaking on Wednesday (June 11), political leaders and analysts expressed optimism about the meeting, scheduled for Friday (June 13) at The Dorchester Hotel in London between 9 AM and 11 AM local time. The nation, including BNP’s policymakers and activists, is eagerly awaiting the outcome, expecting a positive resolution.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “The entire nation is looking towards London. This will be a historic meeting, and it will bring a positive change in the country’s politics.” He added that the BNP has already justified the need for elections in December, and a logical resolution is expected through dialogue.
Mostafa Jamal Haider, leader of the 12-Party Alliance and Chairman of Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), described the meeting’s importance significant importance, stating, “This meeting will clear the haze around the election timeline and politics.” He hopes it will address post-August 5 tensions and issues related to reform and electoral disputes, leading to a fair resolution. He further noted that discussions on politics, economy, and international affairs will bring positive change.
Dr. Fariduzzaman Farhad, Convener of the Nationalist Like-Minded Front and Chairman of NPP, said, “Most political parties want elections by December, the ideal time after reforms. However, the government’s preference for April 2025 is impractical due to Ramadan, and weather. This meeting could resolve the election-related concerns and ease the path to democracy.”
Lion Md. Faruk Rahman, Chairman of the Labour Party and a key leader of the National 12-Party Alliance, said, “This meeting will pave the way for democracy, strengthen the nation’s foundation, and address public concerns about the election.”
Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman from Dhaka University’s Political Science Department said, “This meeting is crucial for addressing the government’s plans, reforms, election timeline, ensuring a fair election, stability, and unity with the BNP.” He emphasized that engaging with BNP’s high command is essential, given as the party’s largest party with a high likelihood of winning. He added that the government needs BNP’s support for free elections, fair elections, and justice for mass killings.
Professor Mahbubur noted that the meeting is also an opportunity for the BNP to clarify its stance on the election timeline, reforms, and justice issues, fostering mutual understanding. He dismissed concerns of an electoral crisis, stating that it’s merely a scheduling issue. Elections could be held in January or February if the government opts for an earlier timeline, or in 2026 if it plans to stay longer in power.
He further stated that the meeting marks the beginning of national unity and sends a positive message internationally, showing that the government and BNP are working together.
AI/MR
