On June 13, 2025, a historic and forward-looking meeting took place in London between Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's Interim Government, and Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic resignation following a nationwide popular uprising on August 5, 2024, this landmark dialogue marked the most consequential step yet toward rebuilding democracy, trust, and institutional integrity in Bangladesh.
This meeting resulted in a definitive and widely welcomed agreement: the next general election will be held in early February 2026, prior to the holy month of Ramadan and the onset of the monsoon season. This timeline, grounded in pragmatism and democratic responsibility, offers the nation a clear and credible path forward—away from the shadows of authoritarianism and toward a renewed democratic compact.
Tarique Rahman: Symbol of Stability and Architect of Renewal
At the heart of this transformative moment is Tarique Rahman, whose leadership has galvanized public attention both domestically and abroad. Building on the historic legacy of his father, President Ziaur Rahman—the founding architect of multiparty democracy—and his mother, the three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique has emerged as a unifying figure and a symbol of national stability.
More than just a political leader, Tarique is increasingly seen as the architect of a new and modern Bangladesh—one that aspires to be inclusive, development-oriented, and governed by the rule of law. His blueprint for national renewal is encapsulated in the BNP’s bold 31-point reform agenda, which seeks to “repair” the nation after a decade and a half of institutional destruction, cronyism, and executive overreach under the Hasina regime.
From reviving an independent judiciary to restoring media freedom, and from depoliticizing the civil administration to establishing an effective parliamentary system, the agenda offers a comprehensive roadmap to rebuild a broken state. His vision for modern Bangladesh draws heavily from both democratic tradition and innovative governance models, signaling a clear break from the past.
The Yunus–Tarique Convergence: Restoring Trust and Democratic Order
The June 13 meeting was more than ceremonial; it was strategically pivotal. Professor Yunus, globally respected for his pioneering work in microfinance and ethical governance, leads the interim administration with the difficult but historic responsibility of stabilizing the state and ensuring a credible transition. Tarique Rahman, as the leader of the country’s largest opposition bloc and principal reformist voice, represents the democratic will of millions demanding change.
The agreement to hold elections in February 2026 removes lingering uncertainty and reinforces public confidence in the transitional process. It also dismantles space for political sabotage. In recent months, concerns had grown that opportunistic actors embedded within the interim structure were attempting to mislead Professor Yunus and create mistrust between him and democratic political forces. The direct dialogue between Yunus and Tarique Rahman not only preempted such conspiracies but reinforced a shared commitment to transparency and national unity.
A New Chapter After a Tarnished Era
This breakthrough dialogue must be understood in the context of the traumatic exit of Sheikh Hasina, whose authoritarian rule left a scorched landscape of politicized institutions, suppressed civil society, and eroded democratic norms. The August 5, 2024 revolution—led by students, civil servants, workers, and everyday citizens—was a clarion call for democratic rebirth.
In this context, the Yunus–Tarique meeting serves as a national pivot point. Rather than pursuing revenge, the transitional process is centered on reconciliation, institutional repair, and political pluralism. It symbolizes a break from the politics of fear, coercion, and exclusion that defined the past regime.
Tarique Rahman’s Rise and Vision for a Modern Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman’s political ascent is not merely the continuation of a dynastic lineage—it is the embodiment of a political evolution. After more than a decade of exile and political repression, he has re-emerged with a sharpened policy vision and a commitment to rebuild Bangladesh through knowledge-based governance, constitutionalism, and development-led politics.
Under his leadership, the BNP’s 31-point agenda addresses the deep structural decay in state institutions and aims to transform Bangladesh into a modern, functional, and just republic. His emphasis on inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, digital innovation, and civic trust situates him not only as a leader of the opposition but as the principal architect of Bangladesh’s next democratic era.
Increasingly, Tarique Rahman is viewed by supporters and observers alike as the stabilizing center of a fractured political landscape—a leader capable of reconciling the past, managing the present, and envisioning the future.
Global and Regional Significance
International reactions to the Yunus–Tarique meeting have been notably positive. Key development partners, including the United States, European Union, and Commonwealth nations, have quietly welcomed the clarity provided by the February 2026 election timeline. Regional powers such as India, Pakistan and China are also recalibrating their posture toward a Bangladesh that appears poised for democratic normalization and economic stability.
This dialogue has the potential to restore Bangladesh’s global reputation as a responsible and rights-respecting state, capable of balancing growth with accountability.
From Transition to Transformation
The Yunus–Tarique meeting may come to be seen as the foundational moment of Bangladesh’s democratic recovery. And at the heart of this moment stands Tarique Rahman—no longer merely the heir to a political legacy, but the central figure of a national awakening. As architect of a modern Bangladesh, his leadership—tempered by experience and animated by reform—now defines the aspirations of a generation determined to reclaim their republic.
(The author is the adviser to the Chairperson, Bangladesh National Party and a former World Bank senior leader)
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
