Staff Correspondent

onset of unfavourable weather—he said the party has entrusted Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman with full authority to make necessary decisions.

“It is now up to the Chief Adviser to revisit his stance on the election timeline. However, our party continues to stand firm on its preference for holding the election by December this year,” the BNP leader said.

Another BNP Standing Committee member Dr Moyeen Khan said the interim government may be shifting away from its previously rigid position regarding the election timeline, acknowledging the need to move from a confrontational approach to one of reconciliation.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said he believes the meeting between the head of the interim government and the BNP’s acting chairman is not only necessary but also a matter of political decency.

He said such a discussion could help address key political challenges and reduce tensions and bridge differences between the sides.

When asked about the potential topics of discussion between Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus, Salahuddin said the conversation would centre on the overall political landscape and the future course of action. “This would include setting a suitable date for the national election, ensuring the interim government’s neutrality, and upholding the rule of law.”

He said the discussion would also touch on crucial matters concerning national security, politics and the broader national context.

In response to whether the meeting could persuade the Chief Adviser to bring the election date forward from April, Salahuddin said, “We are hopeful that once the two leaders meet, this issue—and many others—will be resolved through constructive dialogue.”

He expressed optimism that the Chief Adviser would reconsider the proposed election schedule and agree to a more pragmatic timeline, taking into account factors such as the weather, Ramadan and public examinations.

As a liberal democratic party, Salahuddin said, the BNP has always believed in resolving issues through discussion. “We believe the meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman can settle key concerns and help ensure a smooth democratic transition.”

Mustafa Jamal Haider, the head of the 12-party alliance, a political ally of BNP, said the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique is very important in the current political situation of the country. “We believe that the fog surrounding the country’s politics and the election date will be cleared through this meeting,” he said.

Jamal Haider said a gap or disagreement between the interim government and BNP and its like-mined parties have created over reform, election and some other issues. “We hope that a suitable solution will be found through this meeting.”

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Chairman of Nagorik Oikya, another alliance partner of the BNP, said the meeting would pave the way for holding a fair and credible election, as well as for a democratic transition. “It will surely yield a positive outcome in line with the aspirations of the people.”