At long last, it seems the entire nation can breathe a sigh of relief. The uncertainty and apprehension that loomed large have somewhat subsided. In distant London, Bangladesh glimpsed a ray of hope. Just when the future of elections, politics, and the country itself seemed uncertain—when people across the nation were anxious and distressed—a historic event unfolded at 2 p.m. on Friday (Bangladesh time).
The meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, proved to be fruitful. A joint statement issued by both parties was positive, inspiring hope and offering clear direction toward resolving the political crisis. In the statement, Tarique Rahman explicitly voiced the people’s expectations. He proposed holding the next election before Ramadan—by the first week of February. Professor Yunus responded positively, stating that if reforms and the judicial process progressed, elections could be held one week before Ramadan. The statement also noted that the Election Commission would make a formal announcement in due course.
A deeper analysis of the joint statement reveals that the BNP has made significant concessions from its earlier position. In its most recent standing committee meeting, the party had clearly demanded that elections be held by December—a position Tarique Rahman had personally reiterated. By stepping back from this stance, he demonstrated respect for Professor Yunus. The footage and details of the meeting show that the leader of the country’s largest and most popular political party treated the chief adviser with deference—setting a noteworthy example. In honour of Professor Yunus, he moved from the BNP’s earlier position. He made it clear that the BNP desires peace, a democratic transition, and collective efforts to move the country forward.
Following the meeting, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury made a significant statement at the joint press conference. He said, “Reform and justice are ongoing processes.” On the matter of reforms, he added that they would be pursued based on consensus among political parties and would continue even after the election. He said the same of the judicial process. This made it clear that the completion of reforms or legal processes is not a prerequisite for holding elections—these are parallel tracks. The chief adviser agreed with this perspective.
We now hope that the decisions made in the meeting will be implemented in Bangladesh’s political landscape and that preparations for a February election will begin without delay. If not, the country risks descending once again into division and chaos. Most observers believe that with the chief adviser’s change of stance and the BNP’s flexibility, the political conflict over the election should now be resolved. However, if some political parties stubbornly insist on an April election or attempt to delay the process with unreasonable demands, they will be acting against the public will—and against the expectations of most political groups.
In politics, differences among parties are natural. This diversity of opinion is the essence of democracy. Parties like the NCP, Jamaat, and others may hold differing views on the election—and they have the right to express them. But we must all remember that democracy ultimately rests on the will of the majority. Every voice matters, but it is the majority view that must prevail. Ninety per cent of political parties had previously demanded elections by December. Now, through their representative Tarique Rahman, they have agreed to a delay until the first week of February. That is a historic concession—a major opportunity for the interim government. There should be no further delays and no more debate over who supports or opposes this move.
The ball is now in the chief adviser’s court. Upon returning to Bangladesh, he is expected to engage in discussions with other political parties—particularly with the newly formed and unregistered NCP, which he appears to favour. The NCP has publicly acknowledged Professor Yunus as their political guardian. In times of crisis, he has often turned to the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for counsel. Just days ago, when Professor Yunus was reportedly contemplating resignation, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam met with him and urged him not to step down.
If we analyse Professor Yunus’ speech from June 6—on the eve of Eid—it is clear that his previous announcement of elections in early April aligned closely with the NCP’s demands. Both the NCP and Jamaat even congratulated him afterward. However, most of the public and nearly all political parties were surprised and disappointed by that announcement. In light of this, we now hope Professor Yunus will set aside any personal preferences or bias toward particular groups and genuinely listen to the people’s aspirations. From London, he has already heard the people’s voice. That voice has given him a new opportunity.
We all know that, over the past ten months, the interim government has failed to deliver. It has struggled across all major sectors—politics, the economy, trade, industry, education, and healthcare. The country’s economic condition is poor. Law and order have deteriorated. Business is virtually paralyzed. The economy has collapsed. In such circumstances, the need for a stable democratic order is urgent and undeniable. The people still believe that Professor Yunus is a wise man—well aware of the interim government’s declining popularity and political realities. He must not forget that the source of his power is the country’s political parties. It was not a few student organisations or a single party that made him chief adviser—it was the collective decision of all political forces. He is the symbol of national unity. Therefore, he must listen to the hopes and expectations of the nation.
We expect him to act accordingly. The country is now at a critical juncture. Had Professor Yunus remained inflexible in his stance, it would have led to inevitable political division and unrest. We thank him for his wisdom and sense of responsibility—for recognising reality at the right moment. His acknowledgement that elections can be held in February reflects the true spirit of democracy. Through dialogue and compromise, even the deepest crises can be resolved. Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus have set a remarkable example of democratic conduct in London.
We hope this spirit continues in Bangladeshi politics. May the hope and resolve born in London’s Dorchester Hotel not end in disappointment. Let us begin our journey toward the democratic transition the nation desires. It is now the chief adviser’s responsibility to ensure that a free, fair, and neutral election is held before Ramadan—because, at this critical moment, he is the captain of our democratic voyage.
The writer is a playwright and columnist.
Email: [email protected]
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
