London, June 13, 2025 – At precisely 09:00 BST (14:00 BDT) today, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman began their highly anticipated bilateral meeting at The Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, London .
Tarique departed his London residence around 13:00 Bangladesh time, flanked by senior BNP figures including Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the party’s Standing Committee, and International Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, according to Shayrul Kabir Khan of the party’s media cell
On arrival, they were welcomed by a group of BNP activists stationed outside the hotel, brandishing banners, placards, and posters in support of the meeting
Stakes on the Table
This meeting carries significant weight, as hopes are high that it could break the deadlock over scheduling the next general election. Currently, the Chief Adviser has indicated the election will take place in early April, while the BNP is urging a date sooner than that to avoid campaigning during the final weeks of Ramadan
Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, noted that although the session was planned as a one-on-one dialogue, both leaders may opt to include others as needed. He emphasized they intended to cover “all issues” between the head of interim government and the leading opposition party
Political Voices Respond
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Salahuddin Ahmed (BNP Standing Committee): “Politics is the art of compromise… Both sides can make arrangements for early elections at the right time for the nation.”
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Khandaker Mosharraf (BNP Standing Committee): The dialogue “will open a path to restore democracy in Bangladesh.”
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Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair (Jamaat‑e‑Islami Asst. Secretary General): “Something good may happen for democracy and the country from this event.”
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Nasiruddin Patwary (National Citizen Party): Emphasized the importance of not overlooking the July killings trial if any commitment is made on election timing.
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Gazi Ataur Rahman (Islami Andolon’s Joint Secretary General): Hopes talks will urge peaceful political culture and constructive BNP involvement
Other political players—from the Communist Party to Biplobi Workers’ Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis—also expressed optimism, seeing it as a chance to settle the timing of the next election, introduce reforms, and bring stability
In summary:
This landmark meeting between Prof. Yunus and Tarique Rahman is widely viewed as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic restoration. Its success could determine whether the country moves toward timely elections, institutional reforms, and a more unified political future.
Let me know if you’d like any additional context, historical background, or updates as the meeting progresses!