In a development both dramatic and discreet, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman recently met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in London, where she is undergoing medical treatment.
The unannounced rendezvous, held at the residence of BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has stirred considerable curiosity within political circles in Dhaka.
Though several days have passed since the meeting, neither party has issued an official statement—only fuelling speculation over whether the once-fractured relationship between the BNP and Jamaat is being quietly mended.
Sources quoted in various media outlets suggest the hour-long meeting revolved primarily around current political affairs and prospects for future elections.
However, there was no indication that any concrete decisions were reached. Nonetheless, analysts have viewed the very act of sharing a room as a potentially positive shift, given the long-standing estrangement between the two political forces.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman was in Brussels at the invitation of the European Union, where he presented Jamaat’s political position to EU leaders.
His visit to London to see Khaleda Zia was, by all accounts, unexpected and devoid of prior speculation—adding a touch of drama to an already intriguing encounter.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Tarique Rahman, who hosted Dr Rahman with visible cordiality.
The atmosphere was reportedly emotive, especially as Dr Rahman inquired after Khaleda Zia’s health and her potential return to Bangladesh.
Gradually, the discussion shifted towards the broader political landscape.
Observers will recall the historical alliance formed in 2001 when the BNP and Jamaat led a four-party coalition government.
The inclusion of Jamaat leaders—Motiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid—as ministers marked a controversial chapter in Bangladesh's political history.
The alliance remained intact until the run-up to the 2007 military-backed interim government, after which tensions and mutual accusations became increasingly public.
The execution of Jamaat leaders and Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment under what BNP terms "fabricated charges" further deepened the rift.
Insiders with knowledge of the London meeting noted that Khaleda Zia spoke little but struck a tone of reconciliation.
Tarique Rahman, taking a more active role, clarified BNP’s current position, explaining that while he could not monitor every utterance from party members, there had been no official decision to sever ties with Jamaat.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman, meanwhile, insisted that Jamaat had made no effort to undermine the alliance and encouraged BNP leaders to revisit past statements for clarity.
This exchange prompted Khaleda Zia to briefly reflect on the historical context of their alliance—shifting the tone of the discussion.
The latter part of the meeting turned towards present-day politics and external influences, with both sides agreeing that an unnamed foreign power may be attempting to "fish in troubled waters".
They also discussed possible election timelines, though it became clear that the two parties remain far apart on that front.
Nevertheless, both camps emphasised the importance of patience, restraint and avoiding actions that could damage any prospects of future cooperation.
A source in Dhaka confirmed that there is now a shared understanding to prevent any moves that might further strain relations.
Though the London meeting may not yet signal a full political rapprochement, it has undoubtedly reopened the conversation.
Whether it marks the rekindling of an alliance or merely a gesture of goodwill remains to be seen—but for now, political observers are watching closely.
