Special Correspondent :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has strongly opposed the idea of introducing a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system in Bangladesh, warning that it could open the door to extremism, separatism and fascism, both in politics and state governance.
Speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad (BSPP) at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital Tarique said, “We are seeing certain political parties suddenly calling for elections under the PR system. But such a system would only sow confusion in society, destabilise governance, and pose a threat to the country’s independence and sovereignty.”
The programme, which was held to honour the families of martyrs and recognise professionals for their role in resisting what organisers described as the “fascist rule” of the Awami League government, was cut short following a training aircraft crash in Uttara earlier in the day.
In recent weeks, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and several other Islamic parties have demanded that the upcoming national elections be held under a PR system. On July 19, Jamaat-e-Islami held its first national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, where leaders argued that a PR-based election would better reflect the will of the people and ensure broader representation in parliament.
Addressing these calls, Tarique Rahman said, “If we truly want unity among the people, the PR system must not be adopted. Even if some parties consider it their democratic right, we believe such a system is unsuitable for Bangladesh. It would ultimately harm the country and its people.”
He further emphasised that defeating fascism requires more than legal reforms. “Fascism and tyranny don’t always need laws to thrive-ignoring laws is enough. To stop such tendencies, people must be empowered politically and economically,” he stated.
Tarique reaffirmed BNP’s long-standing demand for a government formed through direct voting and full accountability. “A people’s government, based on direct votes, is the only way to ensure democratic practice and resist any form of dictatorship or authoritarianism,” he added.
