Seeking PR going against nat'l interest will bring terrible consequences: Salahuddin
BNP doesn't support banning any party through executive order, he says
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today (16 September) warned that going against national interest to seek proportional representation (PR) system for the sake of securing a few parliamentary seats would bring "terrible consequences".
"BNP is not in favour of PR. On the other hand, several parties have taken a position in favour of it. But we oppose PR in every forum, be it the upper or lower house," he said while speaking to journalists at his residence in the capital's Gulshan.
Regarding the demand to ban the 14-party alliance, Salahuddin Ahmed said, "We do not support banning any political party through an executive order; the matter should be decided through judicial proceedings."
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If the court gives a verdict, the Election Commission will be bound to comply with it, he said.
When asked if there is a possibility of delaying the upcoming national election, Salahuddin replied, "Any political manoeuvre aimed at delaying or obstructing the election will be rejected by the people of this country."
For the realisation of the right to vote, and for the establishment of democracy and constitutional rights, the people of this country have struggled relentlessly for the last 16-17 years, he added.
"They have shed blood, they have embraced martyrdom."
Mentioning that the demand for reform of the state system became a mass demand, the BNP leader said, "The people's rights will only be established when we have a parliament and a government through free, fair and democratic elections."
"Anyone who tries to obstruct this path will be rejected by the people," he further said, adding that the people themselves will be the judge of such political activities.
Referring to the 2024 national election in which 28 parties participated, he asked, "If you demand a ban, then these 28 parties would have to be banned. Then who will the election be held with?"
Salehuddin said that some parties might seek the ban of others for their own benefit, but the Awami League is a different case.
"They are responsible for mass murder, crimes against humanity, and the destruction of the country's democratic system. As a political party, we were the first to demand the Awami League's trial," he said.
The BNP standing committee member also mentioned that if similar allegations exist against any other party, those too can be raised in court under the amended law.
Salahuddin further warned that failure to hold elections democratically could lead to a constitutional vacuum in the country.
"National unity among political parties will be destroyed, and fallen fascist forces may take advantage of the situation, regional powers could get involved through their hands" he said.
This would put not only national security but also regional security at risk, he said.
