Push for PR system aimed at delaying polls: Fakhrul
Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that the people of Bangladesh will not accept the proportional representation (PR) voting system, as some political parties are pushing for it to delay the upcoming national election and hinder the restoration of democracy.
Speaking at a memorial discussion, he reiterated that the people want the national election to be held by February 2026, as pledged by Interim Government Chief Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“Some political parties have suddenly begun campaigning for a PR system that ordinary Bangladeshis know little about. Even though the Reform Commission did not raise this issue, a few parties are now talking about it and mobilising support in its favour,” Fakhrul said.
He alleged that the demand for PR is intended to delay the polls and obstruct the process of returning power to the people.
“The people of this country will not accept the PR system. We have made our stance clear before, and I repeat – nothing imposed on the people will be accepted,” the BNP leader asserted.
Fakhrul said his party is determined to see the election held by February 2026, in line with Professor Yunus’s commitment. “The people want that election too. They wish to return to a democratic order and see their hopes and aspirations fulfilled through it.”
The remarks came at a programme organised by the National People’s Party (NPP) at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in memory of Democratic League General Secretary Saifuddin Ahmed Moni, who passed away on October 12, 2023.
Fakhrul noted that it has been around 14 months since the formation of the interim government, and while people do not expect miracles, they want to see the start of a genuine democratic process. “We need to begin the journey toward a new Bangladesh,” he said.
He added that any party could win the next national election depending on the people’s will. “The people will choose the party that has been tested – one that has governed responsibly, worked for the nation, and given them hope.”
Rejecting allegations that BNP is anti-reform, Fakhrul said the party has always supported democratic reforms. “BNP was born through reform. Our founder, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, replaced one-party rule with multi-party democracy,” he said.
The BNP leader said that after years of struggle, the people have finally got a chance to rebuild Bangladesh as a democratic state following the fall of what he termed a “fascist regime” that had destroyed democracy, the economy, and the country’s national spirit.
“We have entrusted Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus with the responsibility of guiding the nation back to democracy. He and his advisory council are working to ensure a free and fair election acceptable to all,” Fakhrul said.
He added that the interim administration, led by Professor Yunus, has already taken several reform initiatives through different commissions. “Many of the matters being discussed by these commissions were actually part of BNP’s 31-point reform proposal announced during the anti-fascist movement,” he noted.
Fakhrul urged people to remain vigilant and united to foil conspiracies and build a truly democratic Bangladesh. “There are many plots, but the people of Bangladesh have the strength to defeat them,” he said.
He warned that the coming days will test the nation amid widespread misinformation spread through YouTube, television, and social media. “I believe the people can tell truth from lies. They have never made the wrong choice – they always move in the right direction.”
Recalling the Liberation War of 1971, Fakhrul said some quarters are attempting to distort its history. “We must remember that our independence came through that war. Because of it, we can now dream of a new Bangladesh and fight to improve our people’s lives.”
Sharing his own experience as a freedom fighter, he said many who fought in 1971 and later democratic movements are still continuing that struggle. “Our only goal is to build a truly democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. With that vision in mind, we must move forward together,” he concluded.