Fri Jun 13 21:34:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Yunus Meets BNP Chief in London Amid Election Date Debate**
**Dhaka, June 14, 2025** – Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, met with Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in London on Friday, June 13th, as the nation grapples with setting a firm date for upcoming elections. The BNP is widely considered the frontrunner in the polls, the first since a student-led revolt ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Photographs released by the interim government showed Yunus, 84, and Rahman, 59, shaking hands, signaling a potential thaw in relations that have been strained in recent months. Yunus had previously announced elections would be held in April 2026. However, the BNP is pushing for an earlier date, before the start of Ramadan on February 17th.
“It is possible that the election will be held earlier provided significant progresses in reforms and trials are made,” said Khalilur Rahman, a senior member of Yunus’ cabinet.
The upcoming elections mark a turning point for Bangladesh after 15 years of rule under Sheikh Hasina, which saw accusations of human rights abuses and manipulated elections. Yunus, who took on the role of interim leader following Hasina’s departure, has stated he will not continue in the position after the elections.
The article comes from The Hindu, an Indian newspaper. It contains several sections, including: The View From India, Karnataka Today, First Day First Show, Today’s Cache, Science For All, Data Point, Health Matters, and The Hindu On Books.
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