Bangladesh election a milestone in democratic journey: UK envoy

The Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Abida Islam, has described the country’s recent national parliamentary election as a definitive milestone in its democratic history.

Speaking at a panel titled “Bangladesh Election: What Next?”, she emphasized that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is firmly committed to upholding democracy, the rule of law, and human rights through its vision for an inclusive nation.

The discussion, organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), took place on Tuesday (24 February) in a committee room of the British Parliament. Chaired and moderated by British MP Apsana Begum, the panel featured distinguished speakers, including Baroness Winterton, UK Trade Envoy for Bangladesh, Chietigj Bajpaee, Senior Research Fellow for South Asia at Chatham House; and Sohela Nazneen, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). The event was attended by prominent figures, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, MP Rupa Huq, as well as leading journalists and human rights activists.

High Commissioner Abida Islam noted that the government is dedicated to implementing meaningful changes to improve the lives of all Bangladeshis. She noted that on reforms there are many similarities between the BNP’s election manifesto and the July Charter.

Expanding on the economic outlook, she stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions a nation built on economic and social inclusion, with the ambitious goal of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy. A cornerstone of this strategy is the “Family Card” scheme, which she cited as a prime example of social inclusion designed to advance women’s rights.

Addressing foreign policy, the High Commissioner explained that the “Bangladesh First” policy focuses on maintaining friendly relations with all nations while strictly safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests.

Baroness Winterton congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his new role, affirming the UK’s eagerness to strengthen trade relations.

Reflecting on her recent visit to the country, she noted that Bangladesh’s immense growth potential is best achieved within a stable democratic environment.

Regarding the repatriation of assets allegedly laundered from Bangladesh to the UK, Baroness Winterton confirmed that the British government is providing active support on the matter.

Concluding the panel, Chietigj Bajpaee remarked that, given the political climate, the BNP’s electoral victory was widely anticipated.