PR System Not Fit for Bangladesh’s Realities: Tarique

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system is unsuitable for Bangladesh given the country’s socio-economic, geographic, and political realities.

“Many countries around the world have adopted the PR system, but it is not appropriate in the current context of Bangladesh,” Tarique said while addressing a Janmashtami greetings exchange with Hindu community leaders at the Institution of Engineers in Dhaka.

The event was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Fund and BNP. Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the programme, while Tarun Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the Welfare Fund, moderated.

Tarique argued that voters must clearly know who they are electing to Parliament, something he said the PR system does not ensure. “People certainly have the right to know which political party or individual they are voting for. Under PR, there is no clear way to identify the specific individual being elected,” he noted.

Reflecting on the July mass uprising that toppled what he called a “Kamsa-like fascist regime,” Tarique said the sacrifices of thousands had paved the way for a democratic transition. But, he warned, “The path to democracy remains fragile until we have a parliament and government accountable to the people, formed by direct vote.”

He criticised some political groups and individuals for creating “confusion” by raising new conditions ahead of the next election. “Surprisingly, in a Bangladesh free from autocracy, we see the same ‘Stop BNP’s victory’ attitude from some who once fought alongside us against fascism,” he said.

Tarique urged all parties to confront politics through politics, not tactics, and to put their trust in the people’s mandate. “If BNP’s victory comes from the people, do not create situations to block their verdict,” he said.

He also called for unity among democratic forces to prevent the return of autocracy. “We must not allow internal disputes to open the door for the rehabilitation of defeated fascists,” he stressed.

Addressing the Hindu community, Tarique urged vigilance against the misuse of religious identity for partisan interests.

BNP leaders including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury, and leaders of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Fund also spoke at the event.