Diplomats from India, three other countries, and the European Union held courtesy meetings with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman to discuss Bangladesh’s current political situation, the upcoming election, democratic processes, and diplomatic relations.

The meetings took place separately on Saturday afternoon and evening at the BNP chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

According to the BNP media cell, the first meeting was held around 3:00pm, when Iverson Ijabs, chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission and a member of the European Parliament, met with Tarique Rahman.

Later in the day, at about 5:00pm, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma paid a courtesy call on the BNP chairperson. This was followed by meetings with Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen at 6:00pm and Egyptian Ambassador Omar Fahmy at 7:00pm.

Several senior BNP leaders were present at the meetings, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Chairperson’s adviser Mahdi Amin, and Press Secretary Saleh Shibli. The visiting diplomats were formally received by BNP’s International Affairs Secretary Mohammad Rashedul Haque.

Party sources said the discussions covered a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional stability, trade, and matters of public interest. The exchanges also touched on cooperation prospects, economic opportunities, education, cultural exchanges, and ways to strengthen future relations.

Speaking to journalists after the meetings, BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir said discussions included the party’s vision should it form the next government, outlining possible development priorities, approaches to public welfare, and future foreign policy directions.

He also noted that this was Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma’s first visit to the BNP office in Gulshan since assuming his post. Kabir added that the diplomats conveyed their condolences through separate messages following the passing of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.