Tarique may propose election in first week of February in meeting with Yunus

All eyes are now on a highly anticipated meeting between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, scheduled for tomorrow (June 13) at the Dorchester Hotel in London. The crucial one-on-one discussion, set to run from 9:00am to 11:00am local time, is being widely viewed as a potential turning point in Bangladesh’s intensifying political standoff over the timing of the upcoming general election.

According to senior BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman is expected to clearly explain why his party opposes the government’s proposed April 2026 election date and argue for a December 2025 poll instead. However, insiders told Samakal and UNB that the BNP may be willing to consider a compromise—proposing February 2026 as an alternative timeline if the chief adviser shows openness to negotiation.

“In the meeting, Tarique Rahman will clearly explain why April is not a suitable time for the elections and why December would be more appropriate,” said a BNP standing committee member, requesting anonymity. “But if the Chief Adviser is willing to consider February as a middle ground, there might be room for flexibility.”

Tensions escalated earlier this month after Chief Adviser Yunus, in a televised address on June 6, declared that the 13th national election would be held in the first half of April next year. The BNP, which has long demanded a December poll, called the announcement unilateral and “impractical,” citing factors such as Ramadan, public exams, and seasonal challenges.

Despite the hardline stance, several BNP leaders now say the party has granted Tarique Rahman full authority to make strategic decisions during the meeting.

Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a senior BNP standing committee member, told The Business Standard, “We believe this meeting will lead to constructive negotiations on moving politics forward and restoring democracy through a credible national election.” He emphasized that December remains the party’s preferred option but hinted at potential compromise if it results in meaningful progress.

The meeting‍‍`s scope is expected to go beyond just election timing. Party insiders say issues such as electoral reform, accountability for past political violence, a peaceful power transition, and even Tarique Rahman’s potential return to Bangladesh could also be on the table.

BNP leaders believe the talks could reduce political tensions and revive hope for consensus-based solutions. “This is not just a meeting—it’s a test of political will,” said Dr. Moyeen Khan, another BNP standing committee member. “If both sides move from confrontation to cooperation, we could see real progress.”

Other alliance partners echoed similar optimism. Mustafa Jamal Haider, head of the 12-party alliance, said, “We believe the fog surrounding the election date will be cleared through this meeting.” Nagorik Oikya leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna added, “This is a chance to chart a path toward a fair, credible election and democratic transition.”

With the nation watching closely, the Yunus-Tarique dialogue could become a defining moment in Bangladesh’s journey toward political stability