BNP leader alleges global plot behind push for PR system

BNP senior leader Prof  AZM Zahid Hossain today (19 September) alleged that some political parties are trying to create chaos as part of an international plot in the name of imposing the proportional representation (PR) system on the people.

"You are trying to create a chaotic situation in the country. What is your objective? To instigate disorder within the country. But remember, this is not the Bangladesh of the past. You cannot just create chaos at your will," he said while addressing a discussion programme.

Zahid said those who are pushing for the PR system should go to the people and carry their agenda forward, and if people accept it, BNP will respect that agenda.

"But under no circumstances can you impose the agenda of your party, or any local or international conspiracy, in the name of the people or their opinion. You will not get away with it. Rest assured, the people of Bangladesh will not allow it," he warned.

The Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Representatives Association organised the programme at the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) auditorium on Topkhana Road in the capital.

Zahid pointed out that there had been no demand for proportional representation (PR) before 5 August or in the past 16–17 years.

He said it is fine for individuals to express opinions in a democracy, but imposing such views forcefully is a sign of authoritarianism.

"When you say, 'If you don't listen to me, this will not be allowed, that will not be allowed,' it sounds like authoritarianism. In other words, the language of autocrats is being heard here. Is this right? You must respect democracy – you have to put that in your election manifesto. If we come to power, if the people elect me, then I will move to this system in the future," the BNP leader said.

He said as the election day draws closer and discussions on consensus continue, some parties have started taking to the streets with programmes. 

"That's good. Holding programmes is good, and raising public awareness is good. But that does not mean you can impose your opinion in an authoritarian way, using the people's name without their permission. This can never be considered democratic behaviour," Zahid said. 

He questioned the purpose of such programmes – whether the intention was to delay the election process.

Referring to Nepal, he said Bangladesh should learn from its small neighbour, where the election date was announced on the very day a caretaker government took charge.

In contrast, the BNP leader mentioned that the interim government in Bangladesh has already completed 13 months, entering its 14th month, while the next election scheduled for mid-February is still months away. "Do you want to delay it even further?"

He said investment is not coming to Bangladesh despite large conferences because there is no elected government.

The BNP leader also argued that an unstable political environment prevents foreign investment, which affects employment opportunities, especially for the younger generation. "If we do not attract investment and create jobs, the youth, especially Generation Z, will have no future."

 Zahid said that whether investors are local or foreign, they want a stable, political, and people-supported elected government. "That should be our target, and it should be everyone's target. If you don't do that and keep delaying, then the dictators sitting in neighbouring countries will be the ones to benefit."

Jamaat reiterates demand for elections under PR system

He said the movement for proportional representation is being pushed by those never elected to govern. "What does their own experience say? Look at Nepal – you can see what happens when you try to practise PR. Because of PR elections, Nepal has seen more than 14 prime ministers in just a few years. Is that a stable government?

"Do you want to see Israel? What is Israel doing? They are practising PR. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? If it were really so good, then why doesn't Britain – the cradle of democracy – follow it? People always follow good examples. Do people ever follow bad ones?" the BNP leader added.