AL cannot take part in national polls

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the Awami League would not be able to take part in the upcoming national election as its activities have been suspended under the country's anti-terrorism laws.

He said the Election Commission has subsequently removed the party from the official list of registered political parties.

Prof Yunus made the remarks on Thursday evening during a meeting with visiting British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During the meeting, he reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring that the upcoming general election will be free, fair and inclusive.

The two discussed a wide range of issues, including the February general election, tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, the Rohingya crisis, and cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.

Prof Yunus said the July charter would mark "a new beginning" for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in the July–August uprising last year.

Chapman thanked him for his leadership since assuming charge of the interim government and praised the dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties over the July charter.

She expressed concern about the abuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from countries including Bangladesh, stressing the importance of safe and legal migration while curbing exploitation.

Yunus said his government is committed to ensuring safe migration and encouraging more Bangladeshis to seek employment abroad through legal channels.

When the Rohingya crisis came up for discussion, Yunus noted the need for continued humanitarian support for more than a million refugees living in camps.

He also said Bangladesh is purchasing a British research vessel to conduct maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal.

Chapman called for stronger aviation ties between the two nations, adding that the head of Airbus International is expected to visit Bangladesh soon.

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke were present at the meeting.