Need to consider if proportional representation fits Bangladesh's context: Tarique Rahman
He also warned that the system could lead to a divided society or be misused as a tool to revive authoritarianism in disguise
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged political stakeholders to consider whether a proportional electoral system would be appropriate for Bangladesh, given its geographic and political realities.
"Political parties have been making thoughtful proposals as part of the interim government's reform discussions. While all suggestions aim to benefit the people, each must be evaluated in the context of Bangladesh," he said while speaking virtually at a discussion organised by BNP marking the first anniversary of the 2024 July-August mass uprising.
He noted that some parties have advocated for proportional representation — a system practiced in several countries — and urged all concerned to examine how viable such a model would be under the current realities and geopolitical landscape of Bangladesh.
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Tarique said, "If we want to keep Bangladesh's democratic system on a solid foundation and free from subjugation, unity among the people is essential."
He urged political parties to reflect on the implications of adopting a proportional representation system.
"We must seriously consider whether such a system would unite the country or instead lead to a divided society and an unstable government," he said.
Tarique also warned that the system could be misused as a tool to revive authoritarianism in disguise.
"We must ask ourselves whether the push for proportional representation is, knowingly or unknowingly, paving the way for the return of dictatorship in our politics," he added.
He further claimed that conspirators are constantly introducing new issues to distract from real problems.
"They will seize every opportunity again," he said, adding, "The interim government cannot address all of the people's problems every day, nor is there an effective way to communicate those problems to them."
"If we keep the government tied up in reform discussions alone, it may ultimately deprive the people of their political and economic rights," he cautioned.
