Yunus-Tarique Meeting May Revive Democracy: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday voiced high hopes that the upcoming meeting between Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London would prove to be a pivotal moment for restoring democracy in Bangladesh.

“This will be a historic meeting that could bring a fresh breeze to Bangladesh’s political landscape,” Rizvi told reporters during a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan.

He said the nation is watching with anticipation as the meeting, scheduled for June 13 in London, is expected to offer a new path forward in resisting authoritarianism and reinforcing democratic norms.

“This meeting is crucial to prevent the return of fascism and to protect democratic values. We believe it will strengthen the foundations of our struggling democracy,” he added.

Rizvi also reaffirmed BNP’s demand for general elections to be held in December, stating that the party has already laid out logical reasons for that timeline. “The people of Bangladesh support December as the ideal time for elections. Discussions are ongoing—we’ll know the outcome soon,” he said.

He expressed hope that key national issues, including the election schedule, could be resolved through the Yunus-Tarique talks.

On Tuesday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed that Tarique Rahman will formally meet Prof Yunus, currently visiting the UK, at his hotel in London.

In a separate part of the briefing, Rizvi sharply criticised India for what he termed “hostile behavior” and the increasing number of “push-ins” along the border.

“This neighbouring country is becoming dangerously antagonistic, especially with growing interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs,” Rizvi said. He accused India of pushing undocumented individuals into Bangladesh by falsely labeling them as Bangladeshi nationals. “Is Bangladesh a dumping ground?” he asked, warning that the country would resist such actions.

He also pointed to historical precedent, saying, “Even a despotic ruler like Sheikh Hasina had to flee the country once. No regime can survive on repression alone.”

Rizvi further raised concerns over the rise in COVID-19 cases in India and the emergence of new infections in Bangladesh. “India has reported over 7,000 new cases, and the virus is spreading here as well. The Health Ministry must take urgent preventive measures,” he said.

Highlighting another pressing issue, Rizvi noted the worsening dengue outbreak and criticised the government’s response as inadequate. He urged authorities to engage more actively with the public to contain the spread.

He also lamented the rise in road accidents and crimes during the Eid holidays. “At least 57 people lost their lives due to reckless driving. The joy of Eid was overshadowed by poor law and order,” he said.