On behalf of expatriatesDr. Faiz seeks UN intervention in fair elections in BD

The British Bangladeshi diaspora has sought the active cooperation of the United Nations to ensure free, fair and acceptable national elections in Bangladesh.

In a letter sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Dr. Mohammad Faiz Uddin MBE, MInstF made this appeal on behalf of the diaspora.

In the letter, he informed him of the serious issues such as the restriction of opposition party activities in Bangladesh and the insecurity of minority communities in the past seventeen years, including disappearances, murders, arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and violence against minority communities including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, and said that he was aware of the situation in Bangladesh.

He also noted that the next parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in February 2026 under the current UN-recognized interim government. An inclusive, peaceful, and credible election is essential to restore people's trust in democratic institutions. He called for creating equal opportunities for all to participate and ensuring an environment free from fear and intimidation.

The expatriates particularly attached importance to the safe return and free political participation of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

At the same time, he noted that over the past seventeen years, allegations of crackdowns on opposition activities, disappearances, murders, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and violence against minority communities have hindered democratic progress. The last three national elections—in 2014, 2018, and 2024—have been widely criticized for lacking competition and transparency.

He said, "Reform is an ongoing process. The current government has embarked on extensive reforms and the next elected government should be committed to working towards this goal so that the reforms are ongoing before and after the elections so that the elections are not hampered in any way due to the complications of these reforms."

If reform efforts are not continued, the previous system of governance may return.

The letter calls the proposal for a proportional representation (PR) system unnecessary and unconstitutional, saying it is not provided for in the Bangladeshi constitution and will complicate the election process.

Dr. Faiz Uddin presented four demands with the support of the United Nations. The demands are as follows.

1. Organize a free, fair and impartial election under the current interim government recognized by the United Nations.

2. Ensuring equal opportunities for all groups

3. Tarique Rahman's safe return and participation

4. Protection of human rights and freedom of the press.

He expressed his belief that the active role of the United Nations will make an important contribution to bringing Bangladesh back on the path of democracy.