BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has accused the government of attempting to impose proportional representation (PR) system without public consultation.
He emphasized that before introducing such a major change to the electoral process, public opinion must be sought.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a joint meeting held at BNP’s central office at Naya Paltan in preparation for the party’s upcoming founding anniversary, Nazrul Islam Khan said that elections cannot be held based on theoretical assumptions under the PR system.
“Efforts are underway to impose this new system on the people without even asking for their opinion,” he stated.
He further clarified that even if all political parties agree to the PR system, it cannot be implemented without a constitutional amendment. Only an elected parliament has the authority to bring such a change, he said, adding, “This current parliament is not elected by the people and therefore lacks the legitimacy to enact such reforms.”
Commenting on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), Nazrul said no final decision has been made yet.
However, he warned that attempts are already underway to overhaul the entire electoral structure through the PR model. “Forcing a new electoral system on the people without their mandate is irrational and undemocratic,” he added.
Also present at the briefing, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that the founder of multi-party democracy in Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated through a domestic and international conspiracy.
He said Khaleda Zia has carried forward the ideals and vision left behind by Ziaur Rahman.
Addressing party activists, Rizvi said the political crisis is far from over and democracy is yet to be restored. “We must cross a perilous road ahead. BNP is ready to fight for the restoration of democracy,” he said.
Rizvi also claimed that conspiracies are still ongoing to manipulate the next general election.
During the meeting, BNP announced a week-long program starting from September 1 to mark the party’s 47th founding anniversary, which will include discussion meetings, special prayers and various political activities across the country.
