Tarique warns proportional representation could divide Bangladesh, calls for unity

Stating that people’s unity is now more important than ever, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to carefully consider whether proportional representation in parliament is suitable for Bangladesh, warning that it could lead to division. “Some political parties have voiced the demand for a proportional representation (PR) electoral system. While this exists in cer

Stating that people’s unity is now more important than ever, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to carefully consider whether proportional representation in parliament is suitable for Bangladesh, warning that it could lead to division.

To establish Bangladesh on a strong democratic foundation, he said, the country must be freed from subservience.

“At this moment, national unity is more important than ever. But I would like to humbly appeal to the leaders of all political parties to seriously consider whether proportional representation could lead to a divided society and an unstable government instead of national unity,” the BNP leader said.

"There is now an opportunity to build a democratic and discrimination-free Bangladesh, as the country has been freed from fascism through the mass uprising. Establishing democracy and forming an elected government through a fair national election is necessary to honour the sacrifice of the martyrs."

Tarique paid his respect to the July martyrs and conveyed his sympathy to their families and those injured during the mass uprising and the long democratic movement.

He said that just as people have not forgotten those who laid down their lives for the country’s independence in 1971, the nation will also not forget those who were martyred during the mass uprising in 2024.

If the BNP comes to power, Tarique said, the party will name various state institutions and establishments after the martyrs in their honour.

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said many sacrifices had to be made to free the country from the Awami League’s fascist rule.

He claimed that around 700 BNP leaders and activists were killed during the mass uprising.

He added that many others were killed, forcibly disappeared, or faced different forms of repression and torture over 17 years.

He said: "Six million cases were filed against BNP leaders and activists, while Chairperson Khaleda Zia was jailed in false cases under the fascist rule to suppress the democratic movement."

The BNP leader said the mass uprising created a chance to build a new democratic Bangladesh.

As the BNP believes in changing the state structure and building a democratic country, he said, the party earlier placed a 27-point outline, later expanded to 31 points, to reform the state system, long before the mass uprising.

He said a false campaign has been run to portray the BNP as being against reform, which is not true.

Fakhrul urged political parties not to treat the BNP as an enemy or criticize it without reason, as it is the largest political party and important for national unity.

“We will not compromise when it comes to unity and democracy. As a liberal democratic party, we want change through democratic means and in parliament. I ask everyone to consider this positively,” he said.

About the July charter, he said, the BNP has already extended its support to finalize it. “Now it is the government's responsibility to complete the process.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said: "Certain quarters are subtly trying to keep the BNP from coming to power, as the party has a strong chance of winning the next election."

He said there is a deliberate attempt to position the BNP as the main opponent in order to divide the nation. “Many parties are making various demands to disrupt the election, which is contributing to national disunity… We must stay united to move the country forward.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said national unity against fascism must be upheld, adding: “It will be our strength in building a new Bangladesh.”

He said: "While democratic political parties may have differences, they must remain united in the interest of the nation and in safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty."