Dhaka, Nov. 18 -- Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has confirmed that the Awami League will not be permitted to participate in the national election scheduled for February, as the party remains banned and its registration suspended following its ouster during last year's mass uprising.

The statement came on Tuesday during a courtesy meeting with Dutch Vice-Minister for International Cooperation Pascalle Grotenhuis at the State Guest House Jamuna.

A media statement from the Chief Advisor's office said the two leaders discussed Bangladesh's ongoing democratic transition. Yunus reiterated his government's commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and festive election in the first half of February.

A record number of young people would ...