Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has said that the Awami League will not be able to participate in the upcoming national election.
He disclosed this during a meeting with UK Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday evening. The information was confirmed in a press release issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday.
During the meeting, various issues were discussed, including the February election, prevention of illegal migration, expansion of trade, the Rohingya crisis, and enhancing cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors. The Chief Adviser said the upcoming election would be participatory, with a large voter turnout. He noted that millions of young people who were deprived of voting opportunities during the 16 years of “authoritarian rule” would be able to vote for the first time.
He also stated that, under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act, the activities of the Awami League remain suspended, and the Election Commission has removed the party from the list of registered political parties. As a result, the party cannot take part in the election.
Professor Yunus described the July Charter as “a new beginning” for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of the millions who participated in last year’s July–August uprising.
British Minister Chapman praised Professor Yunus’s leadership and emphasized the importance of the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties regarding the July Charter. She also highlighted concerns over misuse of the UK asylum system by migrants and stressed safe and legal migration.
The Chief Adviser said his government is committed to ensuring safe migration and will encourage more Bangladeshis to seek overseas employment through legal channels.
The two sides also discussed the Rohingya crisis and the need to continue humanitarian support for over one million refugees sheltered in Bangladesh. Dr. Yunus noted that Rohingya youth in the camps are growing up without hope and must have access to education.
The meeting also covered prospects for expanding trade and cooperation between Dhaka and London. Dr. Yunus mentioned that Bangladesh is purchasing a British research vessel for coastal and marine studies. Minister Chapman called for stronger bilateral ties in the aviation sector and said the head of Airbus International would visit Bangladesh soon.
National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed, and British High Commissioner Sarah Cook were also present at the meeting.