Rizvi opposes PR system, calls it similar to Hasina’s agenda

Under the (proportional representation) PR system, people can only vote for a party's symbol—without the ability to choose individuals who stand by them in joy or sorrow—leaving the party to decide who is elected, a process that risks fostering unethical practices, weakening political accountability, and making parties increasingly authoritarian and what Sheikh Hasina wants—the PR system is very similar to that, remarked BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, today (23 August).

"All of a sudden, certain political parties have begun talking about the PR system. Can ordinary people explain what the PR system is? Is it something you rub on your head like coconut oil, or apply to your body like soap? Even those who do politics in the name of religion are now talking about the PR system," he added while addressing a rally organised by the Brahmanbaria district BNP at Loknath Dighi field in the town. 

The rally was held to mark the membership renewal and primary member recruitment campaign. 

He further said: "The BNP has never opposed reforms, nor rejected them. At every reform meeting, the BNP has participated and said that it would go to the elections after implementing the necessary reforms. But it has repeatedly emphasised that elections must not be delayed. Yet some, with ulterior motives, speak of deferring elections. We know very well why that motive exists."

The rally was presided over by district BNP President Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, while the chief speaker was Selim Bhuiyan, the BNP's central organisational secretary for the Cumilla division.