London/Dhaka June 13, 2025Bangladesh is now heading toward national elections in February 2026, following an unprecedented political breakthrough between interim government chief Dr. Muhammad Yunus and exiled BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman during closed-door talks in London this week.Sources familiar with the discussions say both Yunus and Rahman agreed in principle on a roadmap to hold inclusive elections early next year — a significant step toward ending months of political deadlock and uncertainty.The London meeting, held under tight secrecy, was reportedly facilitated with the support of international actors eager to see a peaceful resolution to Bangladesh’s escalating political crisis.BNP leaders have responded with visible enthusiasm, viewing the dialogue as a potential pathway back to democratic participation. “This is a meaningful step toward restoring democracy and protecting the rights of the electorate,” a senior BNP official said.However, the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), a key ally of the interim ruling coalition, has strongly condemned the move. In a sharply worded statement, NCP leaders accused Dr. Yunus of bypassing coalition partners in pursuit of an electoral deal with BNP.“We strongly protest this backdoor agreement. The country’s future cannot be decided behind closed doors without transparency or the involvement of coalition allies,” an NCP spokesperson stated Friday.Political analysts have warned that while the Yunus-Tarique breakthrough offers hope of resolving the political crisis, it also risks destabilizing the fragile interim coalition. “The London talks may have opened the door to elections, but they have also exposed deep divisions within the interim government,” said Professor Mahbubul Karim of Dhaka University. “Managing coalition dynamics will be critical in the weeks ahead.”International observers, including officials from the United States and the European Union, are closely monitoring the situation. Diplomats have cautiously welcomed the prospect of February polls but have stressed the importance of an open, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.As Bangladesh heads toward a potential February election, the political landscape remains volatile — with both hope for democratic restoration and risks of renewed coalition tensions looming large.
