The nation is awaiting with high hopes the much-discussed meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, scheduled to take place in London today.
The significance of this high-profile meeting lies in its potential to outline how the current interim government, led by Prof Yunus, will navigate the path to democracy through the organisation of a free, fair, and neutral general election.
There is widespread public expectation that the dialogue between Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman will be productive, contributing to peace, stability, and a brighter future for Bangladesh. Otherwise, many fear the spirit of the July uprising will have been in vain.
Political analysts have expressed concern that a failure to yield positive results from the meeting could leave the state’s problems unresolved, casting a shadow over the country’s future.
With the nation grappling with a host of issues resulting from the ousted fascist Awami League regime, there is an urgent need for the 13th parliamentary election to be held. The transfer of power to an elected government is seen as essential for the country’s peace, stability, and the welfare of its people.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government – which, critics argue, dismantled the country’s institutions – the situation remains unstable due to the absence of an administration accountable to the people. Law and order have deteriorated, and the economy is suffering severely.
In this context, forming a parliament through public voting is viewed as imperative to avert potential disaster and to shield the nation from continued conspiracies by the defeated authoritarian forces, both domestically and abroad.
Tensions have reportedly emerged between the interim government and several political parties, including the BNP and leftist groups, over the proposed timeline for national elections.
The interim government’s insistence on holding the polls next year has fuelled scepticism regarding its true intentions, particularly given the lack of progress in state reform.
In a national address on 6 June, Prof Yunus announced that the parliamentary election would take place in the first half of April next year. However, most parties – including the BNP, but excluding Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party – have rejected this timeline, arguing that the polls should occur before the next Ramadan. They have also presented reasons supporting this stance.
It is against this backdrop that the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman has been arranged. Prof Yunus is currently on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom and has taken the notable step of inviting one of the country’s most influential political leaders to discuss national issues.
The highly anticipated meeting is expected to take place between 9am and 11am (London time) at the Dorchester Hotel in London. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is also in London and may accompany Tarique Rahman at the meeting. A one-on-one discussion between the two leaders is also likely, according to party sources.
Upon receiving the invitation, Tarique Rahman discussed the matter in a BNP Standing Committee meeting, during which the party’s policymaking body welcomed the initiative and authorised him to engage in talks on behalf of the people and the country.
The BNP has expressed hope that the meeting could play a constructive role in resolving Bangladesh’s political crisis.
“In light of the recent political context and the current situation, this is a major development. If everything goes well, it could undoubtedly mark a significant turning point,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Prof Yunus is meeting not only the leading figure of a major political party but also someone who has become a central figure in the nation’s political discourse and played a key role in the July mass uprising.
This meeting holds considerable importance both nationally and internationally, as the international community continues to monitor Bangladesh’s democratic transition closely.
It is believed that the meeting could help resolve several issues, ease political tensions, and potentially open a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. The outcome now rests with Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman and how they choose to steer the nation forward.
Sources have indicated that the BNP is expected to urge Prof Yunus to revise the election timeline and agree to hold national polls before next Ramadan, possibly in January or February of next year. In return, Prof Yunus is reportedly seeking assurance from the BNP on matters related to state reform.
Key topics expected to be discussed include the forthcoming parliamentary elections, justice for atrocities committed by the previous regime, the possible return of Tarique Rahman from London, the fate of the ousted Awami League, state reforms, the July Charter, and Bangladesh’s relations with India.
“The nation is in crisis now. We hope this meeting between Tarique Rahman and Prof Yunus will bring good news,” BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku told the Daily Sun.
BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, who also serves as the Member Secretary of the BNP Media Cell, stated, “We hope fruitful discussions will take place. The nation is looking to this meeting in the hope that it will reflect democratic aspirations and desires.”
Political experts have suggested that the interim government must establish effective communication with key political stakeholders – especially the BNP – to build consensus on elections, state reform, and justice for the July massacre.
They also advised Prof Yunus to prioritise the country’s future political stability and national interests, and to disregard the influence of ‘anarchist’ factions within the government, avoiding ego-driven decisions that could jeopardise national unity.
“I believe the meeting will focus on elections, justice, reform, and Tarique Rahman’s return. I expect a positive outcome. If it fails, chaos could ensue,” said Prof Sabbir Ahmed from the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University.
Ultimately, transferring power to an elected government by holding a free, fair, and neutral general election this winter could mark the beginning of a successful journey toward national consensus and democratic governance, he concluded.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
