AL cannot contest in upcoming polls: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the Awami League (AL) will not be able to contest the upcoming national election as its registration has been cancelled.

He stated that after the party’s activities were suspended under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Election Commission subsequently revoked its registration, leaving no scope for it to join the polls.

He made the remarks during a meeting with UK Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Thursday (November 14).

The meeting covered the upcoming election, irregular migration, the Rohingya crisis, trade expansion, and cooperation in air and maritime transport.

The Chief Adviser said an inclusive and participatory election will be held in the first half of February. Despite experiencing three “manipulated” elections over the past 16 years, he hopes that a large number of young voters will cast their ballots for the first time.

Yunus added that the “July Charter,” born out of the July–August mass uprising, has opened a new chapter reflecting the aspirations of the people.

Chapman praised the activities of the interim government and described the ongoing political dialogue centered on the July Charter as a positive development.

She also expressed concern over the growing misuse of asylum claims in the UK by migrants from Bangladesh and several other countries, stressing the need for safe and legal migration pathways.

In response, the Chief Adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe migration and encouraged Bangladeshis to seek overseas employment through legal channels.

The two sides also discussed the Rohingya crisis. Yunus said that youth in the camps are becoming frustrated and agitated due to lack of education, and stressed the need for ensuring their access to learning.

Discussions also touched on trade, marine research, and aviation links. Yunus noted that Bangladesh is acquiring a research vessel from the UK for Bay of Bengal studies. Chapman added that the head of Airbus International will soon visit Bangladesh.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Chief Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and UK High Commissioner Sarah Cooke were present at the meeting.