BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the Proportional Representation system is not suitable for Bangladesh’s current socio-economic and geopolitical landscape, warning that any move to delay or complicate elections under new conditions could undermine the country’s fragile democratic transition.
Speaking at a Janmashtami greeting ceremony hosted by the Hindu community at the Engineers’ Institution in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon, Tarique Rahman delivered a pointed message to political actors and groups advocating for electoral reforms ahead of the upcoming national polls.
“Many countries may use the PR system, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for Bangladesh now,” he said. “The people have the right to know exactly who they are electing to Parliament. Under the proposed PR model, that clarity is missing. Democracy means facing the people directly – earning their trust, their verdict. That’s what must be preserved.”
‘Don’t mimic the dictators we just overthrew’
Tarique Rahman issued a stark warning to political forces, including some allied with the recent anti-fascist uprising, accusing them of echoing the tactics of the now-deposed Awami League regime by attempting to block the BNP’s path to power.
“For over a decade, the people suffered under a fascist, autocratic rule that rigged elections, jailed opponents, and destroyed democratic institutions,” he said. “Through the blood of thousands of martyrs in the July uprising, we broke free. Now, the journey to institutionalise real democracy has begun.”
But, he cautioned, that journey is under threat.
“It is deeply concerning that even in this post-dictatorship era, some political individuals and groups, who once stood on the streets with us, are now showing tendencies to prevent the BNP’s victory, just as the fugitive autocratic government once did.”
He accused these actors of reviving the same “apolitical politics” used by the previous regime to sideline the BNP, turning the country into “a subservient state, a giant prison.”
“If elections are held, and the people vote for the BNP to form the government, so be it. That is their right. But do not resort to underhanded tactics, new conditions, or manufactured confusion to block that verdict. Deal with politics through politics. Trust the people.”
February polls: Clarity vs chaos
While welcoming the interim government’s indication of holding elections by February 2025, Tarique Rahman expressed concern over growing public confusion caused by “statements, proposals, and new demands” from various political quarters.
“The interim government has set a possible date. That’s positive. But when new conditions are imposed one after another, it creates uncertainty – and risks reopening the door for the defeated dictatorship to return through the backdoor.”
He acknowledged that democratic parties may have differences, including on the PR system, but stressed that such debates should not derail the electoral process.
“Differences are natural in a democracy. But we must resolve them through dialogue, not obstruction. InshaAllah, time will heal these divides – if we don’t let vested interests exploit them.”
Call for religious harmony
In a poignant appeal, Tarique Rahman urged all communities to remain vigilant against attempts to exploit religious identity for political gain.
“We’ve seen attacks on minority communities – on temples, homes, and places of worship. But if we look closely, most were not driven by faith. They were acts of political vengeance or greed, disguised as religious hatred.”
He reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to a secular state where “everyone has their religion, but everyone has the right to security.”
“The state belongs to all Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians. BNP believes in equal rights, equal dignity.”
The event was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Religious Affairs Associate Secretary Amlendu Das Apu. It was attended by senior BNP leaders including Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Prof. AZM Zahid Hossain, Vice Chairman Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, and central figures like Abdul Bari Danny and John Gomez.
Representatives from Hindu civil society organisations, including Tapan Chandra Majumder, Sushanta Chakraborty, Jayanta Deb, and Basudeb Dhar, were also present, underscoring the BNP’s outreach to minority communities.
Democracy over manipulation
Tarique Rahman concluded with a powerful message: “The people have already made their choice in the streets. Now, let them make it at the ballot box. Do not stand between the people and their verdict.”
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, the BNP’s message is clear: Free, fair, and direct elections, on time, without preconditions, are the only path to lasting democracy.