Chief Adviser Yunus says the upcoming polls will be inclusive, but the Awami League will not be able to participate

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reiterated his government’s commitment to holding a free, fair and inclusive general election.

“The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout,” he said, noting that tens of millions of young people are expected to vote for the first time after being denied the opportunity during three rigged elections under the 16-year autocratic rule.

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

Their discussions covered a broad range of issues, including the February general election, curbing illegal migration, expanding trade, the Rohingya crisis, and strengthening cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.

Prof Yunus reaffirmed that the polls would be held as scheduled in the first half of February and stressed that they would be “inclusive and participatory,” with strong voter turnout expected, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

He noted that the Awami League would be unable to contest the election as its activities have been suspended under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, leading the Election Commission to remove the party from the official list of registered political parties.

He also said the July Charter would represent “a new beginning” for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of the millions who took part in last year’s historic July–August uprising.

Minister Chapman thanked Prof Yunus for his leadership since assuming office and praised the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties on the July Charter.

Chapman also voiced concern over the misuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from several countries, including Bangladesh, underscoring the need for safe and legal migration while preventing exploitation.

Prof Yunus agreed, reaffirming his government’s commitment to promoting safe migration and encouraging Bangladeshis to pursue overseas employment through legal channels.

The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis and the need for sustained humanitarian support for more than a million refugees in Bangladesh.

“The young people in the camps are growing up without hope — angry and frustrated. We must ensure they receive education,” Prof Yunus said.

The meeting further explored opportunities to strengthen trade and cooperation between Dhaka and London. The Chief Adviser noted that Bangladesh is purchasing a British research vessel for maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal.

Minister Chapman also called for deeper aviation cooperation, noting 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.