Bangladesh: A joint statement issued following a high-level meeting between BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus suggests that the upcoming national elections could be held before the start of Ramadan in 2026.
The meeting, described as warm and constructive, took place on Friday (June 13), and was followed by an official statement released via the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page.
During the discussion, Tarique Rahman proposed holding the election ahead of Ramadan next year, a view also supported by BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
In response, Professor Yunus reiterated his earlier announcement to conduct elections by the first half of April 2026, but noted that if necessary reforms and judicial processes progress sufficiently, the polls could take place as early as the week before Ramadan begins.
Tarique Rahman welcomed this position and extended his gratitude to the Chief Adviser on behalf of the party. Professor Yunus, in turn, thanked Mr. Rahman for the meaningful dialogue.
The joint press conference was held at 4 PM (Bangladesh time) following the meeting.
Among those present were National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Humayun Kabir.
Tarique Rahman and Prof Yunus took part in the dialogue at 9:00 AM local time (2:00 PM Bangladesh time) at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in central London.
