BNP's Nazrul asserts the PR demand as 'suspicious' and 'unrealistic'
Nazrul Islam Khan, a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has raised concerns about the demand for a proportional representation (PR) election system, describing it as "unrealistic and suspicious."
Speaking at a press conference held at the BNP's Nayapaltan central office on 20 August, Khan questioned the transparency of the move to introduce the PR system, stating that it seems some political parties are forcefully trying to impose it on voters without proper explanation or public consent.
Khan pointed out that any changes to the election system, including the introduction of PR, would require amending the constitution, a power that lies with parliament. He asked if political parties had informed the people in villages about the PR system and sought their agreement. He also questioned whether anyone had ever asked the people of the country about the PR system.
The BNP leader expressed doubts that the insistence on PR could lead to serious negative consequences for holding the election. He observed that ideas, no matter how good or groundbreaking, should only be applied to the people if they are accepted by them.
Khan noted that debates have continued for years in Bangladesh over whether people should vote by stamping a ballot paper or by pressing a button on an EVM machine, yet no final decision has been reached. He suggested that this major change in the election system is not being properly explained to the people, the real owners of the country.
In contrast, the Green Party has proposed the introduction of a proportional electoral system in the next national election. Under the PR system, voters would not elect specific MPs for their area, but the party would choose the MPs. Khan stated that under the PR system, MPs would not belong to a specific constituency as they would be MPs of the whole country.
However, Khan questioned who people would go to if they have a problem, as it would not be clear in the PR system. He stated that political parties will not be able to cause much trouble over the PR issue since ordinary people are not involved in it or aware of it.
Khan's remarks come as the debate over the election system continues to heat up in Bangladesh, with different political parties advocating for different systems. The BNP, for one, has maintained its position against the PR system, citing the need for transparency and public consensus.
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