BNP seeks to avoid confrontation with government following London meeting

The decision was made during a BNP standing committee meeting held Monday night at the party chairperson's political office in Gulshan, with Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman presiding virtually from London.

At the meeting, Tarique refrained from sharing details of his one-on-one talks with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in London on June 13, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Describing the London dialogue as "fruitful," Tarique received strong backing from committee members, especially after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked, "We cannot allow this momentum to slip from our hands," prompting enthusiastic applause from attendees.

The committee formally commended Tarique for conducting what they termed a constructive and amicable meeting in London.

Tarique informed the leaders that during the talks, he had conveyed BNP’s readiness to seek advice and cooperation from Yunus and his advisory team should the party assume power. In response, Yunus assured him of his support. Leaders viewed this exchange as a sign of regained public confidence and praised Tarique’s political prudence in navigating the talks.

As a result of the London meeting, tensions between BNP and the interim government have eased, dispelling much of the uncertainty over the forthcoming 13th parliamentary elections.

Yunus has indicated willingness to hold elections during the week preceding Ramadan next year.

"If they fail to honor the election timeline, there will still be sufficient scope for stronger action. But for now, we prefer to adopt a positive approach and concentrate on election preparations," a senior leader commented.

Meanwhile, the ongoing protest led by BNP leader Ishraque Hossain over his delayed swearing-in as Dhaka South City Corporation mayor is sending mixed signals to the interim administration. Given that the current city corporation's term has already expired, senior leaders suggested that Ishraque should suspend his movement.

Tarique also voiced concerns over the country’s fragile economy and worsening law and order. He instructed party leaders to start formulating clear policy proposals so that if BNP comes to power, it can act decisively from day one to rebuild public trust.