BNP Wants to Involve Dr. Yunus If It Forms Government

If the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) comes to power, it intends to utilize the experience of Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, according to senior party sources. The interest in having Dr. Yunus on board has already been formally communicated by BNP.

Following a meeting in London, it has become evident that a relationship of trust and mutual respect has been established between Dr. Yunus and BNP. From the very beginning of the meeting, both Tarique Rahman and Dr. Yunus fostered a cordial atmosphere, indicating a sincere and warm interaction.

At the outset, Tarique conveyed greetings from BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying, “Amma has sent her regards.” In response, Dr. Yunus smiled and replied, “Please give her my regards as well.”

A joint statement released after the London meeting mentioned that the next general election in Bangladesh may be held before Ramadan in 2026. However, it also emphasized the need for significant reforms and judicial progress before that time. With this development, BNP and other parties are reportedly gearing up for an election.

BNP envisions a broader role for Dr. Yunus beyond a potential caretaker government. If elected, BNP plans to involve him in policy and national development efforts. Tarique Rahman proposed during the meeting that experts like Dr. Yunus would be consulted for strategic advice on how to move the country forward.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told Jugantor, “We have expressed our interest in continuing to work with Dr. Yunus. If the people give us the mandate, we would want him beside us in steering the economy and restoring democratic political practices. I’m not sure whether he formally accepted the proposal, but he seemed to recognize its importance.”

International Engagement on Upcoming Election
Meanwhile, foreign interest and engagement around the next general election in Bangladesh is intensifying. Diplomats and international partners are regularly meeting with political parties and expressing their governments' expectations for a free, fair, and inclusive election.

Foreign representatives are also trying to understand the political strategies and potential outcomes. BNP is actively engaging in diplomacy, with a meeting scheduled with a U.S. delegation on June 17 in Dhaka.

Moreover, a high-level BNP delegation is planning a visit to China on June 24 or 25, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Other members of the delegation include Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain, Zahidur Rahman Swapan, and others. The goal is to strengthen ties with the Chinese government and Communist Party.

Following the BNP visit, delegations from Jamaat-e-Islami and several other parties are also expected to visit China. Motiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat’s central executive committee member, confirmed they received an invitation, though the exact date is yet to be finalized.

This surge in political and diplomatic activity reflects the intense focus on Bangladesh's upcoming electoral landscape, where both domestic and international actors are maneuvering for influence and alignment.