A highly anticipated political meeting between Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to take place on Friday (June 13) at London’s historic Dorchester Hotel.

The meeting slated from 9am to 11am (London time), is being seen as a possible turning point in Bangladesh’s current political situation, according to multiple sources.

The meeting venue and time were finalised by the Chief Adviser’s office.

Political observers believe the discussion may shape the future of national elections, including a potential roadmap and the overall direction of Bangladesh’s political landscape. The entire nation is watching closely.

Earlier on Tuesday (June 10), BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed at a press briefing in Gulshan that the government had officially invited Tarique Rahman for talks with the Chief Adviser.

BNP sources suggest the party may soften its earlier stance on Yunus, reportedly at the intervention of Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

In an interview with a media outlet, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that a meeting between the interim head of government and the leader of one of the country’s largest political parties would send a positive message for the nation.

In a video statement, he noted that the April election timeline has already been announced, and the outcome of this meeting is expected to be important for the country’s political future. He added that BNP has already sent a representative to coordinate ahead of Friday’s meeting. Whether others will join the discussion will depend on both leaders.

On June 6, in a televised address, Chief Adviser Yunus announced that the national election would be held on any day in the first half of April next year. BNP reacted strongly in an emergency meeting later that night, expressing concerns over holding polls during Ramadan, school exams, and the possibility of weather disruptions.

They also criticised the lack of explanation as to why elections could not be held by December.

Analysts say the Yunus-Tarique meeting could be a significant milestone, where topics such as a participatory election environment, electoral roadmap, and roles of other political parties may be discussed.

Professor Yunus arrived in London on a four-day official visit and was honoured with the King Charles III Harmony Award 2025 at St James’s Palace on Thursday (June 12).

He left Dhaka on Monday (June 9) at 7:30pm via an Emirates flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Now, all eyes are on what outcomes will emerge from this high-stakes meeting.

MSK/