In a significant political development, Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman are set to hold a meeting in London on June 13, party sources have confirmed.

The meeting, scheduled to take place at the Dorchester Hotel in London, is being closely watched amid signs of a potential softening in the BNP’s stance towards the interim administration—a shift believed to be influenced by party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

According to senior BNP officials, Khaleda Zia advised party leaders during an Eid visit on Saturday (June 7) that BNP would not benefit from pursuing confrontation with the current government. Instead, she urged a strategic approach favouring dialogue.

Following her remarks, the BNP convened an emergency standing committee meeting on Monday (June 9) night to deliberate on the political situation and the prospect of the high-profile meeting in London.

BNP sources said the party will issue an official statement on the matter at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday (June 10).

Speaking to the media, the Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said: “If the Chief Adviser meets Tarique Rahman as the representative of a major political party, it will undoubtedly send a positive message. However, confirmation will depend on final arrangements after reaching London.”

The development follows the televised address of Dr Yunus to the nation on Friday (June 6), in which he proposed holding national elections in the first half of April next year. 

The announcement triggered a sharp reaction from the BNP, which expressed concerns that Ramadan and weather conditions in April could hamper election campaigning. The party also criticised the lack of clarity over why elections could not be held by December.

Despite the initial backlash, recent moves suggest BNP is now exploring diplomatic channels to push for electoral reforms and inclusive participation.

Political analysts say the proposed London meeting could mark a turning point in Bangladesh’s political impasse. Discussions are expected to cover the roadmap to elections, ensuring a conducive environment for participatory polls, and the role of other political parties in the process.

Professor Yunus left Dhaka for the United Kingdom on Monday evening (June 9) on a four-day official trip. 

SMS/