Tarique warns PR system could divide nation, calls for unity

Tarique Rahman virtually addressing the discussion, Mass Uprising 2024 National Unity and Democratic Journey on Tuesday.

Dhaka, July 1 - Stating that people’s unity is now more important than ever, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged political parties to carefully consider whether the proportional representation (PR) election system is suitable for Bangladesh, warning that it could lead to division.

“Some political parties have raised the demand for a proportional representation (PR) electoral system. While this system of elections exists in certain countries around the world, I urge everyone to carefully consider how suitable—or whether it is suitable at all—for Bangladesh at this moment, given the country’s current reality and its geographical-political context,” he said.

Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing the party’s discussion, ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’, held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

To establish Bangladesh on a strong democratic foundation, he said the country must be freed from subservience.

“At this moment, national unity is more important than ever. But I would like to humbly appeal to the leaders of all political parties to seriously consider whether the proportional representation system could lead to a divided society and an unstable government instead of national unity,” the BNP leader said.

He said all parties need to seriously consider whether, under the cover of the proportional representation electoral system, they are unknowingly being used to rehabilitate a previously defeated, fugitive and deposed dictator into Bangladesh’s politics.

The BNP leader said the interim government remains active in arranging a national election to establish a government that will be accountable to the people through their direct votes.

At the same time, he said, the government has started the trial of the ousted fascists and begun reforms in the state and politics.

Mentioning that reforming the state and politics is an ongoing process, Tarique said he firmly believes that the future government elected by the people will continue the work started by the interim government to ensure democracy and the rule of law in both the state and society.

“So, democracy-loving people believe it is logical not to link one issue with the conditions of another,” he observed.

In the reform process initiated by the interim government, the BNP leader said political parties are making thoughtful proposals. “Everyone is putting forward good suggestions keeping people in mind. But it is important to consider whether all these proposals are truly suitable in the context of Bangladesh.”

He warned that if political parties continue to raise new issues one after another, conspirators might find a chance to re-emerge.

Noting that it is not possible for the interim government to solve every problem of the people, he said, “If we keep the interim government constantly occupied with reform matters, it may end up depriving the people of their political and economic rights.”

He said there is now an opportunity to build a democratic and discrimination-free Bangladesh as the country has been freed from fascism through the mass uprising.

The BNP leader said establishing democracy and forming an elected government through a fair national election is necessary to honour the sacrifice of the martyrs.

Tarique Rahman expressed his respect to the martyrs and conveyed his sympathy to the families of those who were martyred or injured during the mass uprising and the long democratic movement.

He said just as people have not forgotten those who laid down their lives for the country’s independence in 1971, the nation will also not forget those who were martyred during the mass uprising in 2024.

If BNP comes to power, Tarique said, the party will name various state institutions and establishments after the martyrs in their honour.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said many sacrifices have to be made to free the country from the Awami League’s fascist rule.

He claimed that around 700 BNP leaders and activists were killed during the mass uprising.

The BNP leader said many others have been killed, forcibly disappeared, or faced different forms of repression and torture over the last 17 years.

He said 60 lakh cases have been filed against BNP leaders and activists, while party Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been jailed in false cases during the fascist rule to suppress the democratic movement.

The BNP leader said the mass uprising has created a chance to build a new democratic Bangladesh.

As BNP believes in changing the state structure and building a democratic country, he said the party earlier placed a 27-point outline, later expanded to 31 points, to reform the state system, long before the mass uprising.

He said a false campaign has been run to portray BNP as being against reform, which is not true.

Fakhrul urged political parties not to treat BNP as an enemy or criticise it without reason, as it is the largest political party and important for national unity.

“We will not compromise when it comes to unity and democracy. As a liberal democratic party, we want change through democratic means and in parliament. I ask everyone to consider this positively,” he said.

About the July Charter, he said BNP had already extended its support to finalise it. “Now it is the government's responsibility to complete the process.”

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said certain quarters are subtly trying to keep BNP from coming to power, as the party has a strong chance of winning the next election.

He said there is a deliberate attempt to position BNP as the main opponent in order to divide the nation. “Many parties are making various demands to disrupt the election, which is contributing to national disunity… We must stay united to move the country forward.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said national unity against fascism must be upheld, adding, “It will be our strength in building a new Bangladesh.”

He said while democratic political parties may have differences, they must remain united in the interest of the nation and in safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim, 12-party Alliance Chief Coordinator and Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mustafa Jamal Haider, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Bangladesh Jatiyo Party (Manzu) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Zonayed Saki, NPP Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Biplobi Workers' Party Saiful Haq, Nizam-e-Islam Party Chairman Ashraful Islam, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju , Former MP and JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan, National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, Gono Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Muhammad Rashed Khan, spoke at the programme. - UNB