Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said Awami League would not be able to take part in the upcoming national election as its activities have been suspended under the country's anti-terrorism laws.

The Election Commission has subsequently removed the party from the official list of registered political parties, he said.

Prof Yunus 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.

During the meeting, the chief adviser reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring that the upcoming general election will be free, fair and inclusive.

"The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout," he said, adding that tens of millions of young people are expected to cast their first ballots, as they had no opportunity to vote during the three rigged general elections during the 16-year long autocracy.

During their discussions, the two leaders covered a wide range of issues, including the February general election, tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, the Rohingya crisis, and enhancing cooperation in the aviation and maritime sectors.

Prof Yunus 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.

Minister Chapman thanked Yunus's 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 the abuse of the UK asylum system by migrants from countries, including Bangladesh, and stressed the importance of safe and legal migration while curbing exploitation.

Professor Yunus emphasised that his government is committed to ensuring safe migration and encouraging more Bangladeshis to seek employment abroad through legal channels.

The two leaders 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," Prof Yunus said.

The chief adviser noted that Bangladesh is purchasing a British research vessel to conduct maritime studies in the Bay of Bengal.

The British minister called for stronger aviation ties between the two nations, adding that the head of Airbus International is expected to visit Bangladesh soon.

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