PR system proposed as solution to political crisis
Special Correspondent :
Several political party leaders have expressed support for the implementation of the Proportional Representation (PR) system, claiming that it would more accurately reflect public opinion in elections and reduce post-election political crises, the influence of muscle power, and the dominance of black money. They also believe that such a system would foster political tolerance and create a more balanced political environment.
These remarks were made during a roundtable discussion titled “Necessary State Reforms, Justice for War Crimes, and the Electoral System for a New Bangladesh after the People’s Uprising” held in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Saturday.
The event was organized by the Islamic Andolon Bangladesh (Islamic Movement of Bangladesh), with the party’s Amir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, presiding over the discussion.
PR system: “The Mother of All Reforms”
In his written address during the discussion, Mufti Rezaul Karim emphasized that past sacrifices had been in vain due to flawed policies and unhealthy politics. He argued that necessary state reforms should be implemented immediately, with those responsible for autocratic rule being held accountable.
Karim argued that the PR system was the only viable option for ensuring fair elections. He described PR as a powerful tool to change the country’s political culture, asserting that Bangladesh’s political climate is inherently destructive. Under the PR system, however, political parties would have to coexist because the formation of the government would require support from various parties in Parliament.
Addressing concerns that the PR system would lead to political instability, Karim explained, “Frequent government changes do not equate to political instability. For example, Italy experiences frequent government changes but remains politically stable. Bangladesh, despite having had mostly stable governments since 1981, is still not a politically stable country.” He concluded that PR is the key solution to preserving the ideals and aspirations of July’s movement, describing it as “the mother of all reforms.”
Jamaat calls for reforms before election
Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, speaking as a special guest at the roundtable, echoed the call for the PR system. He stated that the PR system truly represents the majority’s voice, adding that a dedicated team should be formed to raise awareness about this system among the people.
Parwar also declared that Jamaat-e-Islami would not participate in elections unless state reforms were carried out. “You claim that we are avoiding elections by pushing for the PR system, but we say that without reforms, we will not participate in elections,” he emphasized.
Citizen’s unity calls for pr in upper house to end constitutional amendments
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of the Citizens’ Unity (Nagarik Oikkya), another special guest at the event, criticized the current electoral system, which he argued promotes party politics and fails to assess the quality of candidates. He advocated for the introduction of the PR system in the upper house of Parliament, suggesting that it would prevent frequent and unnecessary amendments to the Constitution.
Manna elaborated, “We have proposed the PR system for the upper house. Implementing this would stop unconstitutional meddling with the Constitution whenever there is a change in government.”
A strong show of support
Other notable participants in the roundtable included Ahmad Abdul Kader, General Secretary of the Khalafat Majlis, Muzzibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of the AB Party, lawyer Shishir Monir, Javed Rasel, Joint Convener of the National Citizens’ Party, Golam Sarwar Milan from the Janata Party Bangladesh, and Maulana Musa bin Izhar, General Secretary of the Nezam-e-Islam Party, among others.
Leaders from the Islamic Andolon Bangladesh were also present, including Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad, Presidium member Maulana Syed Mosaddek Billah Al Madani, Professor Mahbubur Rahman, and Joint Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman.
The event concluded with a call for urgent electoral and state reforms, with many participants stressing that only through such reforms could Bangladesh hope to break away from its cycle of political instability and create a system that reflects the will of the people.