Push for PR system aimed at delaying election: Fakhrul
Fakhrul stated that some parties and individuals were trying to blame the BNP for political purposes
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (12 October) said the people of the country will not accept the proportional representation (PR) voting system, accusing some parties of promoting it to delay the national election and block the restoration of democratic order.
Speaking at a memorial meeting at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, Fakhrul said, "People want the national election to be held by February 2026, as promised by interim government head Professor Muhammad Yunus."
The event was organised by the National People's Party on the second death anniversary of Democratic League General Secretary Saifuddin Ahmed Moni, reports UNB.
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"Some political parties are suddenly campaigning for the PR system, which the people of Bangladesh know nothing about. Even though the Reform Commission did not raise this issue, a few parties are now promoting it and even organising movements in its favour," Fakhrul said.
He added that the demand for PR is clearly aimed at delaying the election and obstructing the return of power to the people.
"The people of this country will not accept the PR system. Our party has clearly stated this before, and I say it again: the people will not accept it. Nothing imposed on them will be accepted by the people of Bangladesh," Fakhrul said.
He reaffirmed the BNP's commitment to holding the election by February 2026. "The people also want that election and wish to return to a democratic system through it. They want their hopes and aspirations to be fulfilled through democracy."
The BNP leader also alleged that some are trying to make the nation forget the 1971 Liberation War by distorting and erasing its history.
"We must remember that we became independent because of the 1971 war. It is this independence that allows us to think freely and continue the struggle for the economic emancipation of our people," he said.
He added, "We have been fighting fascism for the past 16 to 17 years. Through student and public movements, that fascist regime was forced to flee. Now we have a chance to return the country to a democratic system — we must not lose it."
Fakhrul also accused some of spreading daily rumours to mislead the public, but expressed confidence in the people. "I believe the people of this country never make mistakes. They always move forward on the right path," he said.
