Tarique-Yunus Meeting Held in London: Message of Consensus on Election Date

Desk Report: Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the BNP, and Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor, met for an hour and thirty-five minutes at the Dorchester Hotel in London. The meeting, which was held in a cordial atmosphere, sparked new debate in the country's political landscape. Following the meeting, both parties expressed satisfaction and optimism about national reconstruction and the upcoming elections.

The meeting began today, Friday, at 9:00 AM local time (2:00 PM Bangladesh time) and ended at 10:30 AM. Later, at 4:00 PM Bangladesh time, a joint press conference was held, with National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman and BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury briefing journalists. Shafiqul Alam, Chief Advisor's Press Secretary, moderated the press conference.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman proposed holding the national election before next year's Ramadan, which Professor Yunus welcomed. Yunus stated that the election announcement should be made by early April, and if preparations are completed, it could even take place the week before Ramadan in 2026. However, he emphasized the importance of providing assurances about necessary reforms and judicial progress within that timeframe.

In response to journalists' questions about the "July Accord," BNP leader Amir Khosru stated that discussions were still ongoing and that the agreement would be finalized based on consensus among all parties. He stated, "The reform process and the July Accord will be established through consensus." We expect to make a decision very soon.

On the issue of setting the election date, National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman stated, "We do not anticipate any complications." The Election Commission will announce a date soon." He expressed hope that no one would be excluded from the process.

Although there was no direct comment on Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh, in response to journalists' questions, Amir Khosru hinted that all parties would collaborate to build the Bangladesh of the future. He stated that "there is consensus on building a new Bangladesh." This path will be followed both before and after the election.