Amid growing political tensions between the interim government and opposition parties over the upcoming national election, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Dhaka, Tracy Ann Jacobson, has once again flown to London. On Wednesday (October 1), she departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on an Emirates Airlines flight, multiple immigration and airport sources confirmed to Kalbela.
Traveling with her husband, David Buff, Tracy’s trip is officially described as personal. However, given that this is her second visit to London in less than three months, political and diplomatic circles in Dhaka are buzzing with speculation.
According to reliable sources, Tracy may hold a meeting with BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. Discussions could focus on Bangladesh’s next general election and other pressing political issues. The BNP, however, has not released any formal statement.
Tracy first met Tarique Rahman during a July visit to London, where they discussed Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, BNP’s vision for governance, and the party’s stance on the Election Commission’s framework. That meeting was later confirmed by Humayun Kabir, BNP’s adviser on foreign affairs.
Before that, Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus also held a one-on-one meeting with Tarique Rahman in London, after which the interim government announced its commitment to holding national elections in February 2026.
Analysts suggest Tracy’s latest visit should be seen as part of U.S. “Track Two Diplomacy”—unofficial channels used to convey political messages and encourage dialogue.
How Tracy Traveled:
Airport records confirm that Tracy Ann Jacobson and her husband left Dhaka at 11:05 a.m. on Emirates flight EK-583, transiting through Dubai before heading to London. The journey typically takes 12–14 hours. She is expected to remain in the U.K. for about a week.
While a U.S. Embassy official in Dhaka insisted the trip was “scheduled leave,” they declined to confirm whether another meeting with Tarique Rahman was planned. The official also noted that previous meetings had been kept confidential, known only to a small group within the embassy.
The Secrecy and Speculation:
Sources claim Tracy is likely to meet Tarique Rahman at a secure London venue to discuss the electoral roadmap, opposition safety, the role of international observers, and BNP’s final strategy before the election. Broader questions, such as whether BNP could restore stability if it wins power, may also be addressed.
A former U.S. diplomat told Kalbela that while the July meeting was preliminary, any upcoming meeting would likely be “deeper and more strategic.” The U.S., he said, views Bangladesh’s election as critical to South Asian stability, and such dialogues strengthen BNP’s international standing.
However, many political parties in Bangladesh saw Tracy’s previous meeting with Tarique as foreign interference. Critics argue that U.S. involvement often intensifies in the run-up to elections.
Track Two Diplomacy in Context:
Track Two Diplomacy is an unofficial channel used by the U.S. to communicate political messages, often through diplomats, think tanks, or private figures, especially on issues of democracy and electoral reform. In Bangladesh, this approach was evident in July when Tracy met Tarique Rahman informally in London—an event not publicly acknowledged at the time but significant in shaping election-related discussions.
Rising International Pressure Before the Election:
Bangladesh’s interim government has scheduled the 13th parliamentary election for February next year, leaving less than five months for preparation. International monitoring has intensified; an EU pre-election observer team recently visited the country.
Maintaining equal distance from both government and opposition is a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy. A senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official noted that engaging Tarique Rahman abroad was necessary since he is not in the country. The U.S. has also been holding dialogues with other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami.
A former Bangladeshi ambassador to Washington said, “The outcome of this trip will become clearer from London, but it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s politics.”
He added that while Tracy’s trip appears diplomatic in nature, a confirmed second meeting with Tarique Rahman elevates it into a political event. “Building on July’s discussions, this dialogue will further heat up the pre-election atmosphere. With international eyes on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, this visit has become a crucial moment.”
