Election under PR system will open door to extremism in Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman
Tarique stresses that a people’s government, formed through direct voting and accountability, has always been the BNP’s demand
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that introducing a proportional representation (PR) electoral system in Bangladesh could lead to separatism, fascism, and extremism, both in politics and within the state.
"We are seeing certain political parties suddenly calling for elections under PR system. But such a system would only sow confusion in society, destabilise governance, and pose a threat to the country's independence and sovereignty," he said while addressing a programme as the chief guest at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital this afternoon (21 July).
Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad (BSPP) organised the gathering and a ceremony to honour the families of martyrs, recognising the contributions of professionals to the anti-fascist movement against Awami League government. However, the programme was abruptly concluded due to the training aircraft crash in Uttara.
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Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP) and some other Islamic parties have been demanding the upcoming national elections under a proportional representation (PR) system.
Speaking at the event, Tarique Rahman strongly opposed the idea of introducing a proportional representation (PR) electoral system in Bangladesh, warning it would threaten national unity.
"If we truly want unity among the people, the PR system must not be adopted. Even if some parties consider it their democratic right, we believe such a system is unsuitable for Bangladesh. It would ultimately harm the country and its people," he said.
He emphasised that the fight against fascism cannot be won through regulations alone.
"Fascism and tyranny don't always require laws to take root, ignoring the law is enough. To stop it, the people must be empowered both politically and economically. Full democratic practices must be ensured within the state," he said.
Tarique stressed that a people's government, formed through direct voting and accountability, has always been the BNP's demand.
"When people hold power and actively participate in politics, their collective strength is enough to resist any form of dictatorship or fascism," he added.
On 19 July, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami staged its first national rally Suhrawardy Udyan where the party leaders called for the national elections be held under the proportional representation (PR) system.
Addressing the rally, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher said only a PR-based election can truly reflect the will of the people and ensure meaningful representation in parliament.
