Voters in Bangladesh traditionally cast their ballots for individuals, not political symbols, according to Hafizuddin.
In the lead-up to Bangladesh's upcoming national election, BNP Standing Committee Member Hafizuddin Ahmed has voiced his opposition to the Proportional Representation (PR) system.
Ahmed has accused certain parties of supporting the PR system due to fears of losing their security deposits in the national election. He has also alleged that some quarters are trying to foil the election, predicting unrest in the country before the election.
However, Ahmed has emphasized that constitutional reforms will have to be carried out by an elected government. He reiterated BNP's stance, stating that they will accept any election result if the polls are fair.
The debate over PR in Bangladesh's parliament centres around whether it could democratize the system by ensuring fairer representation and reducing conflict, versus the constitutional, political, and practical challenges of adopting a fundamentally different electoral system.
On one hand, proponents of PR argue that it can increase inclusiveness and representation, reducing the disproportional outcomes caused by the current first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. They also suggest that PR could mitigate political deadlock and reduce boycotts and street protests. A recent opinion poll found 71% public support for PR in a proposed upper house.
On the other hand, opponents of PR argue that it could complicate the system, confuse voters, and destabilize elections. They also fear that PR might foster autocracy and weaken local leadership development. Some key parties, including BNP, strongly oppose PR, fearing it advantages certain parties or disrupts political balance.
Ahmed has also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for spreading confusion to delay the polls. He has stated that the issues Jamaat-e-Islami is raising are surprising, given their previous alliance with BNP.
Ahmed has also expressed doubts about maintaining law and order during the election with a partisan police force. He has called for unity among the people of the country to resist the "subversive activities" of these mafias. He has also criticized the current government for failing to reform the police force.
Despite his criticisms, Ahmed has expressed confidence in the Election Commission and stated that BNP is ready to contest the election under the current government and commission. He hopes the upcoming polls will end the "misrule" of the Hasina era.
References:
- The Daily Star
- Bangla Tribune
- Dhaka Tribune
- The Financial Express
- The Asian Age
In the ongoing discussions about policy-and-legislation in Bangladesh, Hafizuddin Ahmed, a BNP Standing Committee Member, has voiced his opposition to the Proportional Representation (PR) system, notably criticizing some parties for their alleged support due to concerns about losing their security deposits.
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains contentious, with Ahmed accusing certain parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, of spreading confusion to delay the elections, and raising concerns about the partisan nature of the police force, potentially leading to issues maintaining law and order during the elections.
