A roundtable discussion held at the House of Lords has called for an immediate and credible election in Bangladesh to ensure a peaceful transition to democratic rule.
The event, titled “The Future of Bangladesh – How to Ensure a Smooth Handover of Power to a Democratically Elected Government?”, was hosted by Baroness Pola Uddin and organised by Reza Ahmed Faisal Choudhury, president of the UK Bangla Press Club.
The discussion was part of a special session marking Bangladesh’s ongoing political transition, with Labour MPs Rushanara Ali and Rupa Huq attending as chief guests.
The roundtable, held on Monday, 20 October, brought together cross-party participants from across the UK – including journalists, doctors, business leaders, and representatives from various professional sectors – to deliberate on the challenges facing Bangladesh’s democratic process.
Speakers voiced deep concern over the country’s political uncertainty and urged the caretaker administration to prioritise holding a free, fair, and neutral election without delay. They emphasised that ensuring democratic continuity is critical to maintaining public trust and avoiding a broader political crisis.
In her closing remarks, Baroness Pola Manzila Uddin said the government must chart a clear roadmap that honours the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. “The transition to democracy must be inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will,” she said.
Labour MPs Rupa Huq and Rushanara Ali reiterated the importance of democracy and good governance as the foundation of Bangladesh’s future stability.
Reza Ahmed Faisal Choudhury, who moderated the session, said, “As 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.”
Former Conservative MP and Mayoral candidate Dr Anwar Ali remarked that lasting economic stability depends on the establishment of a legitimate, democratically elected government.
Jahin Ahmed, Political Adviser to the Labour Party, affirmed that the UK Labour Party supports the people of Bangladesh in their pursuit of democracy and free elections.
Akbar Hossain, Press Minister at the Bangladesh High Commission, said the government is taking active steps to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Munzer Ahmed Chowdhury, Senior Vice President of the UK Bangla Press Club, said over a year had passed since the fall of the autocratic regime through a mass uprising in Bangladesh, yet the expected reforms had not materialised.
“People had high hopes that Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus would bring positive change, but so far, apart from signing a few papers, there has been no sign of that desired transformation,” he said.
Chowdhury added that public expectations remain unmet and that the interim administration appears more focused on extending its tenure than ensuring credible elections. He cautioned that such inaction could lead to further political discontent.
Other notable participants included former Presidential Adviser Mokhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, 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 unanimous consensus that there is no alternative to a rapid, transparent, and participatory election in Bangladesh to secure the country’s stability, democracy, and public confidence.
