London/Dhaka, Jan 13 (.) Highlighting the ban on Bangladesh’s largest party Awami League, four MPs in the UK have raised serious concerns over the upcoming February 12 elections, warning that without the inclusion of all major players, the polls cannot be considered as democratic.
The document, issued under the banner of the House of Commons, bearing the names of UK MPs Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal, and Chris Law, warns that the deregistration and prohibition of such a major player in the Bangladeshi political field automatically sidelines the voices of millions of voters, undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
While the statement does not constitute official UK government policy, it nonetheless reflects growing unease in London regarding Bangladesh’s democratic environment, especially in its current volatile landscape.
In their joint statement, the UK MPs said that without inclusive participation and impartial international observers, the polls risk disenfranchising large segments of the population.
At the centre of their concern is the interim government of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, as the MPs noted that no unelected administration had the power to impose restrictions on political parties – especially those with mass following – as it undermines the very foundation of the principles concerning democratic governance.
The statement from the MPs further noted that elections held without the participation of all major political forces can’t be considered either free or fair, and cautioned that the decision to ban the Awami League had curtailed political pluralism, effectively disenfranchising millions of Bangladeshi citizens, generating voter apathy and eroding public confidence in the electoral process.
Beyond electoral mechanics, the MPs noted various “credible reports” highlighting the ongoing trend of mass detentions and arbitrary arrests of journalists and media workers due to political motivations.
Underscoring structural weaknesses within the political and judicial system, these developments raise serious questions about civil liberties and the rule of law during the interim period.
The statement comes amid London’s own long-standing financial ties with Dhaka, which has viewed Bangladesh as an important trade partner and thus consistently emphasised democratic stability as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and international cooperation.
The statement underscores this relationship, framing the current situation not as a partisan issue, but as a matter of regional stability and democratic norms.
Importantly, the MPs stopped short of endorsing any specific Bangladeshi political party, and directed their appeal towards the political process itself, while urging both the British government and international bodies such as the United Nations to continue pressing the interim administration to fulfil its democratic commitments, protect civil rights, and ensure the upcoming election is inclusive and internationally credible.
The broader implication of the statement lies in its timing, as the upcoming February 2026 polls have been subject to increasing global scrutiny.
Noting Bangladesh’s history as one fraught with political tensions, the MPs noted that national reconciliation and economic recovery depend on governance rooted in the genuine consent of the people.
Political stability, they argued, cannot be imposed — it must be earned through transparent, participatory processes.
While the statement remains a political expression rather than a formal diplomatic action, it reflects a growing international chorus calling for restraint, inclusivity, and adherence to democratic principles. . . .