Staff Reporter :
Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have voiced concerns following the government’s approval of the draft Representation of the People Order (RPO) Amendment Ordinance, which introduces several reforms to the country’s electoral framework.
The ordinance, aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the electoral process, was approved on Thursday during a meeting of the Advisory Council chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
However, opposition leaders have expressed apprehension that the amendments could undermine political alliances and complicate participation for smaller parties.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said his party prefers that no changes be made to the existing order.
“From our party’s perspective, we will propose that no changes be made. We believe it should remain as it was before,” he told reporters.
He elaborated that if smaller parties within an alliance are barred from using the electoral symbol of the larger party, the very purpose of forming such alliances would be defeated.
“If smaller parties within an alliance are prevented from using the symbol of the larger party, then the purpose of being part of that alliance will be lost,” he said, adding that he would make further comments after reviewing the final version of the amended RPO.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar criticized both the government and the Election Commission for moving ahead with the amendments without prior consultation with political stakeholders or the general public.
“Had the government sought the opinions of political parties and the public before making changes to the RPO, their perspectives would have been properly reflected,” Porwar stated. “Certain parties could now face difficulties because of these new amendments.”
The government has not yet released full details of the changes, but officials have said the reforms are intended to modernize election management, tighten campaign finance rules, and enhance transparency in political processes.
Despite the government’s assurances, the opposition fears the ordinance may limit their flexibility in forming electoral alliances ahead of the next national polls.
