UK Parliament Roundtable: Focus Urged on Holding Credible Elections in Bangladesh

The UK Bangla Press Club held a roundtable discussion in the House of Lords on how to achieve a smooth transition to a democratically elected government in Bangladesh.

The event was hosted by Baroness Pola Uddin and organized by Mr. Reza Ahmed Faisol Choudhury, the President of the UK Bangla Press Club.The chief guests were The Rushanara Ali MP and  Rupa Huq MP.

Cross-party delegates from across the UK—journalists, doctors, business men and women attended the program.

At the round table program, deep concerns and aspirations were expressed regarding Bangladesh's political future and the path to democratic transition. Speakers at the summit forcefully urged the caretaker government to immediately focus on organizing a free, fair, and neutral election in Bangladesh during this critical period.

The crucial discussion was organised on Monday, October 20, by the UK Bangla Press Club, an organisation representing Bangladeshi professional journalist in the UK.

The meeting focused on the theme: "The Future of Bangladesh—How to Ensure a Smooth Handover of Power to a Democratically Elected Government?" Speakers agreed that the caretaker administration, having assumed power with a mandate following the uprising, must prioritise creating an environment conducive to a credible election.

The discussion highlighted concerns that delaying the election or deficiencies in democratic preparation could exacerbate public frustration and lead to a larger political crisis.

In her concluding remarks, Baroness Pola Manzila Uddin stated that the government must prepare a roadmap, fully respecting the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, to ensure the democratic process begins promptly.

Senior Labour MPs Rupa Huq and Rushanara Ali, in their speeches, emphasised democracy and good governance in Bangladesh.

Reza Ahmed Faisal Chowdhury, veteran journalist and President of the Press Club, moderated the event and said, "As a media, we are the voice of the people. The caretaker government in Bangladesh currently faces limitations and failures. The only way to quickly resolve this is to complete all preparations for a fair election and offer the nation a beacon of hope."

Dr. Anwar Ali, a former Conservative Party MP and Mayoral candidate, commented that economic stability will follow the establishment of a democratic government.

Jahin Ahmed, Political Advisor to the Labour Party, confirmed that the UK Labour Party stands with the people of Bangladesh in their pursuit of democracy and a free and fair election.

Akbar Hossain, Press Minister at the Bangladesh High Commission, stated that the government is actively working to organise a fair election.

Munzer Ahmed Chowdhury, Senior Vice President of the UK Bangla Press Club, noted that more than a year has passed since the fall of the autocratic regime through a mass uprising in Bangladesh. He mentioned that most Bangladeshis had hoped that Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus would bring about meaningful, positive change in the country. However, the reality is that beyond signing a few papers, there is no sign of that desired positive change. The public's expectations of Dr. Yunus have not been met, and he is often travelling abroad to collect awards. Chowdhury also expressed concern that there is insufficient preparation for the kind of free, fair, and neutral election required after nearly two decades. He observed that political parties are solely focused on seizing power, while the current administration seems intent on prolonging its tenure.

Other speakers at the meeting included former Presidential Advisor Mokhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, veteran community leader Shahgir Bokth Faruk, Barrister Reza Chowdhury,Professor Shafi Choudhury,Ayshea chowdhury,Fakhral Islam (Vice President, UK Bangla Press Club), Arif Al Mahfuz (Secretary), Saidul Islam (Former Secretary), Mahbubul Karim Shuyed (Treasurer), S M Shamsur Rahman Sumel (Organising Secretary),Senior Data journalist Mizan Rahman,journalist Anwarul Islam Avi, Joint General Secretary Tanvir Ahmed, journalist Jahed Ahmed, Abdul Basit Chowdhury, businessmen Nishad Dastgir and Akther Hossain Tutul, Barrister Mizanur Rahman, and journalist Emdadul Haque.

The discussion concluded with a consensus that there is no alternative to a rapid, transparent, and participatory election to ensure the stability of Bangladesh.