Bangladesh: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that the Awami League will be unable to participate in the upcoming national elections, as the party’s activities remain suspended under anti-terrorism laws.
Following this suspension, the Election Commission has removed the Awami League from its roster of registered political parties, he told visiting British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman during a meeting on Thursday evening at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Yunus assured the British minister that the forthcoming general election would be free, fair and inclusive.
He expressed confidence that voter turnout would be high, noting that millions of young Bangladeshis are expected to cast their first-ever ballots after being denied the chance to vote in what he described as three consecutive “rigged elections” under the previous 16-year rule.
Their talks covered several key areas, including preparations for the February national polls, combating irregular migration, enhancing trade opportunities, addressing the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, and expanding cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.
The chief adviser highlighted the significance of the July Charter, calling it a “new beginning” that reflects the aspirations of citizens who participated in the historic July–August uprising last year.
Baroness Chapman praised Yunus for his leadership since taking charge of the interim government and acknowledged the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political groups over the July Charter.
She also expressed concern over misuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from various countries, including Bangladesh, stressing the need to promote safe and lawful migration pathways while preventing exploitation.
Professor Yunus reiterated that his administration is committed to facilitating safe migration and encouraging Bangladeshis to pursue overseas employment through legal channels.
The Rohingya crisis also featured prominently in the discussion. Chapman underscored the importance of sustained humanitarian assistance for the more than one million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh.
Yunus warned that young people growing up in the camps are becoming increasingly frustrated due to a lack of opportunities, calling for expanded access to education to prevent an escalation of despair and unrest.
Yunus also mentioned Bangladesh’s plan to acquire a British research vessel to support maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal, while the British minister emphasised the need to strengthen aviation cooperation.
She added that the head of Airbus International is expected to visit Bangladesh soon.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke were also present at the meeting.
