The BNP believes that the distance it had with the interim government on various issues has been bridged after the meeting between the chief adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus, and the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, in London.

In that meeting, Tarique demonstrated his political wisdom and foresight, instilling confidence in the minds of people from all walks of life in the country, observed the BNP Standing Committee.

The policymaking body of the party came up with the observation in its meeting held in the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan on Monday night. Tarique chaired the meeting, joining virtually from London.

However, Tarique in the meeting did not reveal what issues were discussed in the private talks with Yunus, and the members of the Standing Committee did not want to know either.

BNP leaders believe that this dialogue has created an opportunity for elections in the country and that it should not be missed in any way.

Besides, the leaders in the Standing Committee meeting expressed their opinions against Ishraque Hossain's ongoing movement over the mayoral post. However, most leaders believe that Ishraque should call off this movement.

A member of the BNP Standing Committee said they are not in favour of this protest. “Just as Ishraque's image is being tarnished by this, so too is the BNP's. The party’s goal is now the national election.”

Meeting sources said that in addition to the London meeting, Ishraque's oath-taking issue and preparations for the next election were also discussed.

The party policymakers observed that through the meeting of the two leaders, the crisis and uncertainty created by the election has been resolved, and a kind of relief has also returned.

At the same time, the tense relationship between the BNP and the interim government over the election issue has also come to an end.

In such a situation, if the movement on Ishraque's oath issue continues, the situation may become chaotic. Moreover, the term of the Dhaka South City Corporation has also ended. Therefore, considering all aspects, Ishraque should withdraw from the movement now, they observed.

However, no final decision was made in this regard in the meeting.