Yunus holds talks with BNP chief amid row over poll timing

CHIEF Adviser to interim Bangladesh government Muhammad Yunus held a much-anticipated meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman today at The Dorchester hotel in London's Park Lane.

- JAYANTH JACOB @New Delhi

While the official agenda remains under wraps, the symbolism of the meeting is clear. Two of Bangladesh's most pivotal political figures — one helming the interim government and the other leading the largest Opposition party — sat down face-to-face amid mounting tension over the timing of the next general election.

The meeting began with formal courtesies. Rahman enquired about Yunus' health and conveyed greetings from his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

A brief exchange on London's weather followed, but they soon got down to business.