Polls to be inclusive, participatory; AL won't be able to take part: CA Yunus tells UK minister
UK is concerned about the abuse of asylum system by migrants from countries, including Bangladesh
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday (13 November) reaffirmed the interim government's commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive general election in the first half of February, emphasising an expected "big turnout" and a fresh start for Bangladesh.
"The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout," he said during a meeting with visiting British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the State Guest House Jamuna.
He underscored the historical significance for tens of millions of young people who, for the first time, will have the opportunity to cast their ballots, having been disenfranchised during "three rigged general elections during the 16-year-long autocracy," according to a press note by the CA Press Wing.
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Crucially, he also confirmed the exclusion of Bangladesh Awami League from the polls, stating that the now-banned party would not be able to take part in the polls as its activities have been suspended under the country's anti-terrorism laws, and the Election Commission has subsequently removed the party from the official list of registered political parties.
Regarding the July National Charter, Yunus expressed confidence that the charter would mark "a new beginning" for Bangladesh, embodying the aspirations of millions who participated in last year's July uprising.
Minister Chapman commended Yunus's leadership since he assumed charge of the interim government and praised the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties over the July Charter.
Abuse of UK asylum system
Their discussions also covered a wide array of bilateral and international issues, including tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, and enhancing cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.
Minister Chapman expressed concern about the abuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from various countries, including Bangladesh, stressing the importance of safe and legal migration.
Professor Yunus concurred, emphasising the government's commitment to promoting safe migration and encouraging Bangladeshis to seek overseas employment through legal channels.
'Growing up without hope'
The Rohingya crisis also featured prominently, with both leaders discussing the urgent need for continued humanitarian support for the 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," the chief adviser stressed.
The meeting highlighted opportunities to boost trade and cooperation, with the chief adviser noting Bangladesh's plan to purchase a British research vessel for maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal.
Minister Chapman called for stronger aviation ties, announcing an upcoming visit by the head of Airbus International to Bangladesh.
Also present at the meeting were National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke.
