The meeting between BNP Vice Chairman Tarique Rahman and Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government, will take place at noon Bangladesh time. This meeting has no specific format. According to the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, the meeting will occur because Tarique Rahman is a leader of Bangladesh's largest political party, the BNP.
Alam stated that the discussions between the two leaders could cover any topic, including Bangladesh's current political situation, election dates, reforms, and the July Charter.
Meanwhile, BNP Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that this meeting would bring a fresh breeze to the country's politics. "The entire nation is looking towards London today," he remarked. "I believe the meeting between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will be a historic moment. All political crises, including elections, can be resolved through dialogue."
Dr. Yunus Rejects Meeting Request from Tulip
Separately, Dr. Yunus, head of the interim government, has rejected a meeting request from Sheikh Hasina's niece, Tulip Siddiq.
In a BBC interview, Dr. Yunus stated, "I will not meet Tulip Siddiq because it is a legal process. I do not want to obstruct the legal process; let it continue."
He explained that the corruption allegations against Tulip are a matter for the courts, and he has full faith in the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He added that the court would decide whether there is enough evidence to pursue the case or to dismiss it.
Upon being denied a meeting with the interim government's head, Tulip Siddiq claimed that political vendetta, based on fabricated accusations and without any media evidence, is being spread, and that he (Yunus) is at the center of this vendetta. "I hope he will now seriously work on stopping the habit of slandering me in the press," she said.
The ACC claims that nearly $234 billion (approximately £174 billion British pounds) was illegally laundered during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, with a significant portion reaching the United Kingdom. Bangladesh's interim government has appointed British lawyers to investigate these allegations.
