A Turning Point in Bangladesh Politics: The Yunus-Rahman Dialogue

Dhaka, Bangladesh || Friday, 17 October 2025 || 1 Kartik 1432

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A Turning Point in Bangladesh Politics: The Yunus-Rahman Dialogue

Zulkarnain Saer Khan

Published : Sunday, 15 June, 2025 at 9:15 PM, Update: 15.06.2025 9:47:35 PM, Count : 981

A Turning Point in Bangladesh Politics: The Yunus-Rahman Dialogue

The private meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Mr Tarique Rahman was not only a turning point for the two leaders but also a watershed moment for Bangladesh's politics. Before the meeting, the atmosphere was tense and uncertain. There was no pre-agreement. The BNP was adamant about holding the general election in December this year, while Mr Yunus remained firm on his proposal for election in April next year. Compounding the deadlock were serious reservations in Dr Yunus’s mind about Mr Rahman’s image, competence and intentions regarding governance.

However, once the aides from both sides exited the room, the two men spoke candidly for nearly an hour and twenty minutes — and something remarkable happened. The conversation, initially cagey, evolved into a deeply engaging and honest exchange. Dr Yunus came away with an entirely transformed impression of Mr Rahman, who demonstrated an in-depth and pragmatic understanding of governance, reforms and a vision for Bangladesh. Mr Rahman came across as a thoughtful reformist who is committed to a democratic and accountable Bangladesh. Their discussion covered a wide range of topics, including election reform, democratic transition and institutional restructuring. While they disagreed on certain issues, Mr Rahman remained gracious.

One of the key outcomes of their meeting was a consensus on the election timeline. The election date — set before Ramadan — reflected not only the BNP's demand but also a longstanding request from several major political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami. It also demonstrated Mr Rahman’s willingness to meet in the middle and avoid any bloodshed in the streets.

Perhaps the most significant shift occurred within Dr Yunus himself. He finally saw Mr Rahman for what he was: a well-spoken, conscientious, perceptive and respectful man. Mr Rahman's personality couldn't be more removed from the two-decade-long negative media portrayals, particularly by Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. These outlets, often accused of operating under the influence of foreign embassies and vested interests, have published numerous speculative reports that shaped public opinion against Mr Rahman. Those narratives lacked journalistic integrity and remain unfounded.

This shift in perception by someone as respected and internationally recognised as Dr Yunus is significant. It underscores not only Mr Rahman’s potential as a national leader but also raises serious questions about the ethical responsibilities of the media in Bangladesh. When prominent newspapers serve as tools for defamation rather than truth, the consequences are not merely reputational but more damaging to national interests. We paid for 16 years of autocracy for that relentless campaign against Mr Rahman.

(The article is taken from the Facebook profile of investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan)

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