CA assures UK of inclusive polls, says AL barred from contesting

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has assured the UK that Bangladesh’s upcoming general election will be inclusive and participatory, while confirming that Awami League will be barred from contesting due to its suspension under anti-terrorism laws.

He 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 here, a press release from the CA’s Press Wing said on Friday.

Prof Yunus said a strong voter turnout is expected as millions of young citizens will be able to cast their ballots for the first time after being denied the opportunity during what he described as three rigged elections held under a 16-year autocratic rule.

He emphasised that the upcoming polls will be “inclusive and participatory” and conducted on schedule.

He noted that Awami League will not be able to take part in the election because the party’s activities have been suspended under anti-terrorism laws, which led the Election Commission to remove it from the official registry of political parties.

Referring to the July Charter, he said it represents “a new beginning” aligned with the aspirations of millions who joined last year’s July–August uprising.

During the meeting, Prof Yunus and Baroness Chapman discussed a broad range of issues including the election, irregular migration, trade, Rohingya crisis and possible cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.

Prof Yunus stressed the urgency of continued humanitarian support for Rohingya refugees and highlighted the frustration and hopelessness among young people growing up in the camps without proper access to education.

Chapman echoed concerns about irregular migration and misuse of the UK asylum system, underscoring the need for safe, legal pathways.

Prof Yunus responded that his government is committed to secure migration and will encourage Bangladeshis to seek overseas employment through lawful channels.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is in the process of acquiring a British research vessel to strengthen maritime research in the Bay of Bengal.

Chapman called for deeper aviation cooperation and noted that the head of Airbus International is expected to visit Dhaka soon.

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