Demand for election under proportional representation system is to create complications: Rizvi
Rizvi also raised concerns over the growing insecurity among the general population, pointing to an increasing culture of mob violence
BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said today (13 August) that the demand for elections under the proportional representation (PR) system is designed to create unnecessary complications.
He argued that such a shift is impractical for Bangladesh's current economic conditions.
"The PR system is not sustainable in a country with a struggling economy like Bangladesh. We are not yet ready for this kind of transition and it seems to have no purpose other than to create confusion," Rizvi said during a press briefing at the BNP chairperson's office in Gulshan.
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The BNP senior joint secretary general further criticized the PR system for lacking transparency, claiming it would complicate the electoral process without any clear benefits.
Rizvi also raised concerns over the growing insecurity among the general population, pointing to an increasing culture of mob violence.
"Right now, ordinary citizens have no security. There is a rampant culture of mobs taking the law into their own hands. The interim government must step in and ensure that those responsible face exemplary punishment," he said.
Highlighting the need for justice, he said that regardless of a person's influence, everyone should be held accountable for their actions through a welfare-oriented legal framework.
"The government must ensure that no one loses their life due to provocative statements. There are opportunists trying to exploit this culture for their own gain," Rizvi added.
Addressing internal party matters, Rizvi assured that any members of the BNP found guilty of misconduct would be swiftly dealt with. "We are taking immediate action against any individuals involved in criminal activities under the BNP's name. Those proven guilty will be permanently expelled from the party after a thorough investigation," he said.
The BNP leader also leveled serious allegations against the ruling Awami League government, claiming that over Tk2,000 crore, allegedly looted during their tenure, was deposited in Farmers Bank, now known as Padma Bank. "There is no trace of this money. The government must show genuine effort to recover it," he demanded.
In a related development, Rizvi announced that special prayers would be held at BNP offices and mosques nationwide on Friday to mark the birthday of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Prayers will also be offered for those who lost their lives in the democratic movement.
Rizvi also accused a religion-based political party of spreading false propaganda against the BNP in an attempt to divert attention from their own wrongdoings.
