Four Members of the UK House of Commons have called on Bangladesh to ensure that its upcoming parliamentary election is inclusive and participatory, warning that no election can be considered democratic without the involvement of all major political parties.
In a joint statement, British MPs Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal and Chris Law said that excluding key political forces from the electoral process would disenfranchise millions of voters and severely undermine public trust in the voting system. They cautioned that such a scenario would not only damage democracy but also pose serious risks to political stability in the country.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the banning of political parties and the suspension of party registrations, describing these measures as incompatible with democratic norms. They noted that imposing such restrictions under an unelected interim government runs directly counter to citizens’ voting rights and the principles of political pluralism.
“Without a free, fair and inclusive election, it will not be possible to build a just, stable and prosperous Bangladesh,” the MPs said in the statement.
They also voiced alarm over politically motivated arrests, weaknesses in the judicial system, and the detention of journalists, calling these developments deeply troubling. The MPs urged the UK government, the United Nations and other international bodies to press for respect for democratic principles in Bangladesh and to ensure the protection of political rights for all citizens.
The statement reinforces growing international concern over Bangladesh’s electoral environment, with the MPs stressing that an inclusive election remains the only credible path to democracy.
