Staff Reporter:
Political parties and businesses have welcomed the meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and said that the historic meeting ushered in a fresh breeze in the country’s politics.
The much-hyped meeting was held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday, where discussions took place on various crucial issues ahead of the general elections in Bangladesh.
The 12-party alliance, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Labour Party and some other parties said that the meeting will ensure stability in politics.
In its reaction, the 12-party alliance said that the Yunus-Tarique meeting was a message of relief for the nation.
In a joint statement, top leaders of the alliance thanked Prof Yunus for moving away from April and called upon the interim government to complete the necessary reforms and trial process before the next elections.
The statement was signed by the chief coordinator of the alliance and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, Spokesman of the alliance and LDP Chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim, Coordinator of the alliance and Bangladesh Jatiya Dal chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, Chairman of Islami Oikya Jote Maulana Abdur Rakib, Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Mufti Golam Mohiuddin Ikram, Vice-President of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) Rashed Pradhan, Chairman of National Labour Party Faruk Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Kalyan Party Shamsuddin Parvez, Secretary General of Bangladesh Islamic Party Abul Kashem, Chairman of Progressive Nationalist Party (PNP) Firoz Md Liton, and President of Naya Ganatantrik Party MA Mannan.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also welcomed the meeting, terming it positive for democracy.
Talking to the Daily Sun, Jamaat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said, “We consider this meeting and discussion to be in line with the aspirations of the democratic people and positive.”
“In politics, dialogue and exchange of views between political parties and the head of government always increase harmony and solidarity. This is the beauty of democracy,” he added.
National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam, on his Facebook post, worte, “We view the meeting in a positive light.
For the sake of national consensus and the country’s greater interest, cordial relations between the government and all political parties are desirable.”
However, it is disappointing that while the timing of the election received significant attention in the meeting, one of the most crucial aspirations in post-uprising Bangladesh—justice and reform—did not receive the same priority. This government is not merely a caretaker tasked with holding elections; it is an interim government born out of an uprising, built upon the sacrifices of the people, and accountable to their hopes and aspirations, said Sargis.
JSD President ASM Abdur Rab and General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan in a joint statement said that the meeting will ensure stability in politics. The party believes that only visible progress on two issues– reforms and trial– can form the basis for an acceptable election.
“We believe that this high-level dialogue is an important milestone. We call for the rapid formulation of a ‘National Charter’ with the aim of fundamental reforms of state politics,” said the JSD leaders.
Welcoming the Yunus-Tarique meeting, Islami Andolan Bangladesh said the meeting will pave the way for a non-partisan, impartial and acceptable election. The meeting will play a vital role in ensuring political stability in the country.
IAB Joint Secretary General and the party’s spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman made the statement on behalf of the party.
In its reaction, Khelafat Majlis said that the announcement that the next general elections could be arranged in February 2026 will eliminate political instability and uncertainty.
In a joint statement, Khelafat Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Secretary General Prof Ahmed Abdul Quader said, “We welcome the opinion expressed by Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman.”
Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Prof Mostafizur Rahman Iran said the historic meeting is undoubtedly an important political milestone. It is a reflection of the people who were united in the movement to oust the fascist rule of 15 years and return the voting rights of the people, he added.
On the other hand, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has said the meeting on elections abroad goes against the aspirations of the people.
“The government’s meeting with a political party in London is a betrayal of the interests and aspirations of the countrymen. Organising a meeting abroad by insulting the blood of martyrs can never be accepted. The future of the country must be determined by the people of the country, not by foreign negotiations,” said NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary expressed his party’s reaction at a press conference following the meeting.
He stated, “If the current government fails to ensure reforms and trial, the NCP will be forced to go towards a second mass uprising. In such a situation, the NCP will not participate in any elections.
Meanwhile, former Vice President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Abul Kasem Haider said the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman has significantly boosted confidence among both local and foreign investors.
“Previously, investors were hesitant due to the absence of a clear election roadmap. Now, with confirmation that the national election will be held before next Ramadan, businesses are hopeful. They are waiting for an elected government to proceed with investment in industries,” he told the Daily Sun.
Responding to a query, Haider added that foreign direct investment (FDI) had seen a sharp decline under the previous government due to corruption, weak rule of law, widespread money laundering, and the collapse of financial institutions.
“The interim government has made efforts to stabilise the banking sector, but ten months is too short to fully recover. It will take at least three years. The previous administration left the banking sector in ruins, which had a direct impact on investment and business confidence,” he emphasised.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed also hailed the agreement between the interim government and BNP’s acting chairman on the timeline for the next national election, saying it would strengthen business sentiment across the country.
“We welcome the understanding reached between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman during their meeting in London. Their consensus on holding the national election by mid-February next year, depending on preparedness, has reduced uncertainty and restored confidence,” Taskeen said.
He stressed that political stability is a prerequisite for a healthy business environment.
“Businesspeople always prefer to keep politics separate from commerce. Stability is essential for trade and investment.
A peaceful political environment ensures sustained economic growth,” he added.
Taskeen also noted that a democratically elected government is essential for long-term economic development.
“Engaging all political parties in the democratic process is key to maintaining peace and creating an investment-friendly climate,” he said.
