New Delhi, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bangladesh’s ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is planning talks with political parties that participated in the 2024 protests leading to the fall of the Awami League government, in an effort to “preserve unity” among anti-Awami League forces, a media report said on Thursday. The proposed outreach comes amid speculation over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s possible return from India in December.
According to Bangladesh’s The Business Standard, more than 40 parties may be invited for discussions in late November or December amid widening differences over political issues. The report said that disagreements before and after the national election had widened the distance among the parties.
The BNP, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is not expected to invite parties affiliated with the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, which now leads the Opposition in Parliament after recording its best-ever performance in the recent general elections.
The proposed consultations are expected to cover the BNP’s 31-point reform agenda, constitutional changes, implementation of the July Charter, local government election plans and broader political cooperation. The party’s stated objective is to “resolve misunderstandings through discussions with partners” and prevent divisions within the anti-Awami League camp.
Meanwhile, Hasina has indicated that she may return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing a death sentence and multiple legal cases following her removal from power in 2024 and subsequent exile in India. Speaking virtually to the media from an undisclosed location, she has said she intends to return with other senior Awami League leaders and surrender before a court. She has described the charges against her as “politically motivated”.
The Awami League, which was barred from contesting the recent elections, remains at the centre of the country’s political debate. The BNP has alleged that the party is continuing conspiracies and has also accused Jamaat of being involved. Jamaat, which has shared power with both parties at different times, has recently pursued an independent political course.
An earlier report by bdnews24.com highlighted differing views in Bangladesh over Hasina’s proposed return. While Awami League leaders appear confident about her return, the BNP government has expressed doubts about whether she will come back voluntarily. The government spokesperson has reportedly maintained that extradition followed by execution is the only path available to her.
The report also cited views that Hasina’s return may depend on conditions such as security assurances and the right to appeal. Others have questioned the credibility of a process that could lead to immediate execution without an appeal, suggesting that such threats may be intended to deter her from returning.
No official roadmap for handling her possible arrival has been publicly disclosed. However, repeated extradition requests, ongoing legal proceedings and political debate have kept the issue in focus.
The coming weeks could prove significant for Bangladesh’s political landscape, with the BNP seeking to consolidate its allies, Jamaat expanding its independent political position and Hasina continuing to signal her intention to return.
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