A highly anticipated dialogue between Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has started at London’s Dorchester Hotel, seeking to untangle the political deadlock back home.The crucial dialogue started on Friday (June 13) at 9:00am local time (2:00pm in Bangladesh).According to sources, the meeting is expected to last for two hours and is being viewed by both local and international observers as a potential turning point in the country’s political future.Tarique Rahman was accompanied by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir. Supporters of the BNP gathered outside the hotel from early morning, holding placards and chanting slogans in anticipation of the high-level dialogue.
The meeting was confirmed earlier by the Chief Adviser’s office and is expected to cover the timeline for the next national election, reforms, and possible restructuring of the interim government.
Professor Yunus, in his recent address to the nation, proposed that the general election be held in the first half of April 2026. However, BNP is likely to request a revision of the proposed date, citing Ramadan, extreme heat, and storm risks during that time. Sources suggest that BNP may soften its earlier demand for an election by December and agree on February as a compromise.
Discussion may also include the removal of three controversial advisers from the interim government, an issue previously raised by BNP. Party leaders argue that to ensure neutrality, advisers with alleged links to the former ruling party should be removed.
Additionally, BNP may raise concerns about those within the administration who allegedly benefitted from the previous government’s authoritarian practices.
Although Tarique Rahman is not expected to raise the issue of reform himself, BNP’s policymaking body has already empowered him to make decisions on the matter if it arises during the meeting.
From the government's side, potential discussion points could include political reforms, justice for victims of the July protest crackdown, and broader institutional changes.
The possibility of Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh and security assurances may also come up, though neither side has confirmed this officially.
Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, said in a video message on Thursday that there is no fixed agenda for the meeting. He noted that all important issues concerning the current political situation, upcoming elections, and the "July Charter" may be discussed.
