I know what you're thinking. Another day, another call for "free and fair elections." After all the column inches filled, the ink spilled by columnists and commentators, the photos of earnest-looking diplomats and proud civil society members and the TV coverage of pundits and politicians, is it worth it? What does it even mean? And anyway, what business is it of the UK government to speak out?

Some might say that a British minister has no right to pass comment on what happens in Bangladesh. It is "undue interference;" or worse, it is "neo-colonial arrogance." Heavy words are lightly thrown.

There is a fine line between interference in the affairs of another country and being prepared to do what's right, at the right time and engage. Some might say: "Give me one good reason why it's any of your business." I'll gladly offer to do better than that.

To be legitimate, any democratic election needs the confidence of the international community; it's not a question of singling out Bangladesh. In any country, those who embrace democracy welcome independent scrutiny and validation of the electoral process as being in everyone's interests. It offers credibility to whoever forms the next government and inspires trust among the people. Recent election evaluation missions by UN, EU, Commonwealth, and the US have consistently identified important points for the political parties, caretaker government, and Election Commission to address to ensure that the elections reach the standards that the Bangladeshi people expect and deserve. Britain will do its part to support these bodies where it can.

We have a great trading relationship. Britain remains the largest foreign investor in Bangladesh and trade between our countries is worth more than £500 million a year. We'd like to maintain this and the UK minister of state for trade, Ian McCartney, who is planning to visit Bangladesh soon, will no doubt echo this.

But business and trade cannot thrive on uncertainty and instability; investors will not sow seeds in shifting soils. A stable business climate in Bangladesh needs a firm political foundation, with transparency and good governance at the heart of it. These elections will set the tone. Failure to engage now could set back Bangladesh's economic development by years and, in a globalized world, that is in no one's interests.

The security of all voters, party activists, leaders and the media is an imperative for the forthcoming elections. Violence has no place in a democratic society and political parties must be allowed to campaign freely and peacefully.

And it is legitimate for the international community to call on the caretaker government, law enforcement agencies, and the parties themselves to take responsibility and to demonstrate leadership and restraint to ensure this. Human security is a fundamental right and it is a universal one. There is a moral obligation for all countries committed to human rights to scrutinise the protection given to those exercising their democratic mandate. The UK, like Bangladesh, is a member of the UN Human Rights Council and a signatory to UN Conventions on Human Rights and should therefore be prepared to speak out if necessary.

The government of Bangladesh is on record as having requested donor assistance ahead of the January 2007 election. As the largest bilateral donor to Bangladesh, it is only right that we help where we can. DFID has provided £1 million to support Bangladeshi NGOs support the electoral process and help cement democratic practices, such as issues-based campaigning, non-violence and accountability.

This is work by Bangladeshis for Bangladeshis. For a stable and legitimate government, the people of Bangladesh need to be able to have faith in the outcome of the election. The rule of law must apply: no violence, intimidation or manipulation of ballots and an environment conducive to the fullest participation. The need for accountability includes what happens in the run up to the elections as well. Every effort should be made to foster trust in the electoral machinery. The caretaker government charged with overseeing the elections should ensure no political bias. Bangladeshis deserve the right to vote. Ensuring this means having an accurate and inclusive voter list, compiled in a transparent and independent manner.

We are not engaging in order to dominate or to take sides. The elections belong to the people of Bangladesh. But as a friend of Bangladesh, we believe in the potential of the country and its people and we support democracy, stability and security to help further its development.

Fine diplomatic language has its purpose. But there is a time and place to say what you mean. And in Bangladesh, right now, the time and place for this has never been clearer. What kind of a friend would the UK be if it were not prepared to speak up?

Dr Kim Howells is UK Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.