Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has told visiting UK Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman that the Awami League will not be allowed to take part in the upcoming 13th national election.

Reaffirming his commitment to holding a free, fair and inclusive election, Yunus made the remarks during a meeting with the British Minister for International Development at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital on Thursday evening.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues including February’s general election, curbing illegal migration, trade expansion, the Rohingya crisis, and enhancing cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.

Yunus said the election will take place as scheduled in the first half of February, and it will be inclusive and participatory with a high voter turnout.

Millions of young voters will cast their ballots for the first time. They were denied the opportunity in the last three engineered elections held during 16 years of authoritarian rule,” he said.

The Chief Adviser noted that the Awami League cannot contest the polls as its activities have been suspended under the anti-terrorism law, and the Election Commission has also removed the party from the list of registered political parties.

The meeting also discussed prospects for boosting trade and cooperation between Dhaka and London.

Yunus informed the Minister that Bangladesh is purchasing a research vessel from the UK for marine research in the Bay of Bengal.

Minister Chapman called for strengthening ties in the aviation sector and mentioned that the head of Airbus International will visit Bangladesh soon.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook were also present at the meeting.