Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the Awami League cannot contest the polls as its activities have been suspended under the country's anti-terrorism laws and deregistered by the Election Commission.
He made the remarks on Thursday evening during a meeting with British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman who called on the head of post-uprising government at the state-guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka, said a spokesman for the CA Office on Friday.
Dr Yunus has reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring that the upcoming general election will be free, fair and inclusive.
Their discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the February general election, tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, the Rohingya crisis, and enhancing cooperation in aviation and maritime sectors.
Professor Yunus reaffirmed that the election would be held on schedule in the first half of February, emphasizing that it would be inclusive and participatory, with a large voter turnout expected.
"The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout," he told the UK minister, adding that tens of millions of young people are expected to cast their first ballots as they have had no opportunity to vote during three rigged general elections during 16-year-long "autocracy".
The Chief Adviser said the July Charter would mark "a new beginning" for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in the historic July-August uprising last year that toppled the AL government.
Minister Chapman thanked Professor Yunus for his leadership since assuming charge of the Interim Government, and commended the dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties over the July Charter.
Chapman expressed concern about alleged abuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from countries that include Bangladesh, and stressed safe and legal migration while curbing exploitation.
Professor Yunus agreed, emphasizing that his government is committed to ensuring safe migration and encouraging more Bangladeshis to seek employment abroad through legal channels.
The two sides also discussed the Rohingya crisis and the need for continued humanitarian support for more than a million refugees living in camps in Bangladesh.
"The young people in the camps are growing up without hope - angry and frustrated. We must ensure they receive education," Professor Yunus notes.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities to boost trade and cooperation between Dhaka and London. The Chief Adviser notes that Bangladesh is purchasing a British research vessel to conduct maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal.
Minister Chapman calls for stronger aviation ties between the two nations, adding that the head of Airbus International is expected to visit Bangladesh soon.
Also present at the meeting were National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Sarah Cooke.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com