BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today virtually addressed at the Institution of Engineers Ramna in the capital.Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 21, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the PR (Proportional Representation) system is not suitable for Bangladesh's socio-economic, geographic and political situation.

He said, "We know that many countries around the world have a PR system for elections. However, this method is not yet suitable for elections in the context of Bangladesh's socio-economic, geographic, and political circumstances."

Tarique Rahman made the remarks as the chief guest while speaking at a 'Janmashtami greetings exchange' event with the leaders of the Hindu community.

Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Fund and BNP jointly organised the event at the Institution of Engineers in Ramna. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the event while General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Fund Tarun Kumar Dey moderated it. 

Member of BNP National Executive Committee and General Secretary of the Dhaka District BNP Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury gave the welcome address.

Tarique Rahman said, "The people certainly have the right to know which political party or individual they are voting for to elect as their representative and send to the parliament. But with the proposed PR system, there is no clear opportunity for the people to know which individual is being elected." 

He said that for over a decade, the people of Bangladesh have witnessed the tyranny and oppression of the tyrant ruler of Hindu mythology ‘Kamsa’-like fascist. Through the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs in the July mass uprising, Bangladesh and its people have been freed from the clutches of this Kamsa-like fascist.

"After the fall of the autocrat, the journey to institutionalize democracy in the country has begun. The path to democratic transition is not without risk until a parliament and government accountable to the people are formed by representatives elected through direct public vote,” he added. 

The acting chairman said that the statements, remarks, and new conditions proposed by certain political individuals or groups regarding the upcoming national election have created confusion among the public.

 "You must remember that from a sense of fear that the people would give BNP the responsibility of running the state if they had the opportunity to vote in a free, fair, and impartial election, a fugitive autocrat started a subversive anti-political campaign to ‘Stopt BNP's victory’. They also destroyed the country's electoral system for 16-17 years," Tarique Rahman said. 

"However, it is surprising that in a Bangladesh free from autocracy, this 'Stop BNP's victory' trend is seen in the behavior of some individuals and groups from political parties who were allies on the streets during the anti-fascist movement," he added. 

Tarique Rahman urged the people in fascist-free Bangladesh to vote for the BNP and help them form a government. Pointing figure to those who are using various tactics and conditions to stop BNP's victory, he said, “Confront politics politically if you have faith and trust in the power of the people. If the people give the BNP vote, do not create any situation to prevent them from doing so."

Noting that there will be differences of opinion in a democracy, he said, "Those who are trying to create complex situation ahead of the upcoming election might, without their knowledge, be obstructing the path to democratic transition. At the same time, they may also be paving the way for the rehabilitation of the defeated and fugitive autocrat."

He called upon all democratic political parties to remain united, stating, "Democratic political parties should not let their internal disputes reach a level where the defeated fascists can use them to justify their misdeeds. It is crucial for us to remain united to prevent the rehabilitation of the fugitive autocrat or fascism."

Tarique Rahman also urged members of Hindu community to be vigilant, saying, "I humbly urge all of you to be cautious so that no one can use your religious identity for their own vile and partisan political interests."

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy,Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain and Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Rafiqul Islam Jamal, BNP Vice Chairman Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury, and Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Fund Chairman Bijay Kanti Sarkar, among others, spoke in the event.