London Bangla A Force for the community…
By Emdad Rahman
The London Bangla Press Club (LBPC) has concluded its biennial Executive Council election with a decisive mandate and one of the highest voter turnouts in the organisation’s history, underscoring strong member confidence in the club’s democratic processes.
Polling was held at the Impression Venue in East London, where the election unfolded in transparent and professional fashion. Members participated with discipline and mutual respect, reflecting the club’s longstanding commitment to integrity and institutional credibility.
Of the 335 registered voters, 325 cast their ballots- an impressive turnout of approximately 97 per cent. In addition, 31 of the 34 online ballot papers issued were returned to the Election Commission. Following verification, two votes were declared invalid.
Tareq Chowdhury was elected President, securing 168 votes to succeed outgoing President Mohammed Jubair. His closest rival, Saiyem Chowdhury, received 155 votes.
Following the announcement, President elect Chowdhury thanked members for their confidence, describing the result as a collective endorsement of unity, professionalism and shared purpose.
“This election demonstrates the maturity and cohesion of our membership,” he said. “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me and remain committed to strengthening professional standards, inclusivity and the collective voice of Bangla media professionals across the UK.”
Taysir Mahmud was elected Senior Vice President with 168 votes, while Ahad Chowdhury Babu charged home with the post of Vice President, impressively as an independent candidate with a notable 172 votes.
Md Akramul Hossain was elected General Secretary with 164 votes, and Abdul Qadir Chowdhury Murad won the Assistant Secretary position after polling 182 votes.
The financial portfolio saw strong mandates, with Abdul Hannan elected Treasurer with 198 votes – the highest tally for a single office, while Eklasur Rahman Pakku secured the role of Assistant Treasurer with 177 votes.
In other key positions, Alaur Rahman Khan (Shahin) was elected Organising and Training Secretary with 166 votes. Foysol Mahmud won the race for the Media and IT Secretary post with 190 votes, matching the total secured by Rupi Amin, who was elected Events and Facilities Secretary.
Five Executive Members were elected: Sarwoar Hossain, Shahidur Rahman Suhel, Lokman Hossain Quazi, Farzana Chowdhuri and Enamul Haque Chowdhury. Sarwoar Hossain emerged as the most popular candidate overall, receiving 201 votes.
A total of 31 candidates contested the 15 member Executive Council, representing two organised panels alongside an independent candidacy. The outcome resulted in a balanced council that reflects both collective representation and individual mandates.
The election was conducted under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Belayet Hossain, supported by commissioners Shahgir Bakth Faruk and Sirajul Choudhury Basit. The commission received widespread praise for delivering a smooth, impartial and efficiently managed election process.
With the new Executive Council now confirmed, members have expressed optimism that the incoming leadership will prioritise unity, professional excellence and the strengthening of the collective voice of Bangla journalists, media workers and volunteers across the United Kingdom.
