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at the right time for the nation.”

Important decisions about how the country will be governed in the future may be made after this meeting, he added.

“Through this meeting, we hope we will quickly move towards a democratic transformation. The faster we move towards a democratic transformation, the sooner a sense of relief will return and the other political problems will subside,” he added.

BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf told The Daily Star that the Yunus-Tarique meet will open a path to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

“We have urged our acting chairman to raise the issues that the BNP as a party had been talking about.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said, “Something good may happen for democracy and the country from this event. Any issue can be resolved through discussions.”

National Citizen Party Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said, “We hope the government will not bypass the trial for the July killings and reforms. In case the government gives a commitment about the election timing to anyone, the NCP will urge the government to reconsider that commitment.”

In a statement, Islami Andolon’s Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman expressed hopes that Prof Yunus and Tarique will prioritise discussions on reforming party politics. The political culture has recently caused extreme frustration among the people.

“We expect the chief adviser to advise him on practising peaceful politics and talk about the way BNP is opposing the reform process. They should also talk about how the BNP is more accountable in establishing national consensus,” he said.

Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said, “If the government changes its position and the election is held this year, it could be a step forward for the country’s development.

Political analyst and writer Mohiuddin Ahmad said the BNP may eventually accept elections in April.

Prof Dilara Chowdhury, a former teacher of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, said the meeting could play a crucial role in resolving misunderstandings, fostering political consensus, and easing tensions.

“It will open a channel for negotiations and could reshape the political landscape,” she added.

Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Biplobi Workers’ Party, said, “If the election timing is set at the beginning of January or February, then a path may emerge to resolve the existing political crisis, instability, and uncertainty.

“The opportunity should not be wasted. And the BNP, of course, will want to move towards a reasonable solution to the crisis through discussions.”

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis’ Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmad said, “We believe this meeting could be very crucial to shaping the future political direction if they reach a consensus on reforms and a framework for a credible election.”