National Security Advisor and Chief Adviser to the High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman said this while responding to questions from journalists at the Dorchester Hotel in London today. Photo: BSS

LONDON, June 13, 2025 (BSS) - National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman has hoped that the Election Commission (EC) would announce the date for next national polls soon.

He expressed the hope at a press briefing in London today, responding to a question from reporters after a meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

"We do not see any problem with the polls date... We, both parties, have said about the polls in a joint statement. We hope the Election Commission will announce the date soon," Dr Khalilur said.

Replying to another query on whether the issue of Sheikh Hasina's trial and efforts to bring her back home will have an impact on the election outline, he said the joint statement has also mentioned about reforms and trial. "We are quite confident that we will see progress of those before the election."

Asked about whether both sides are satisfied with the meeting, the security adviser said, of course, they are satisfied. 

If they were not satisfied, no joint statement was issued, he added. 

The meeting began at 9 am London time (2 pm Bangladesh time) at the Dorchester Hotel in London. It ended at 10:30 am (3:30 pm Bangladesh time). A joint statement was issued following the meeting.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were present at the press briefing, among others.