71% Bangladeshis support PR system: Jamaat Nayeb-e-Amir Mujibur

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Amir and former MP Professor Mujibur Rahman has claimed that 71 per cent of the Bangladeshi population favours the adoption of a Proportional Representation electoral system. He noted that PR is currently in use in 91 countries worldwide.

Professor Mujibur made the remarks on Thursday afternoon while distributing financial aid to 150 families affected by river erosion in Char Ashariadah Union, Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi. The assistance was provided on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami at the Diyar Manik Chowk High School ground.

Speaking at the event, he referenced the political upheaval of 5 August, stating: “Two key messages emerged from the revolution. One was: ‘We want justice—we do not want to see oppressors in Bangladesh anymore.’ The other was: ‘We have given the country a second independence,’ because the original objectives of our 1971 Liberation War were never fulfilled.”

He went on to criticise Bangladesh’s political trajectory, alleging systemic failures in governance and elections. “We sought a degree of true independence, but external influences from our neighbours hindered that. We aspired for democracy, yet democracy never materialised. Instead, we saw elections where voting occurred by day—but results were decided by night. Elections were held without genuine votes. Dummy ballots have tarnished both my reputation and our history. Such farcical elections have no parallel anywhere in the world.”

Advocating for electoral reform, Professor Mujibur argued that the PR system would ensure every vote counts. “Under PR, people’s votes will be properly valued—no vote will be wasted. Moreover, if parties know they won’t gain power through manipulation, they won’t resort to electoral battles based on deception. The system itself will discourage such practices.”

Addressing the flood-affected families, he drew a compassionate parallel: “Just as we visit the sick with fruits and gifts, Jamaat-e-Islami has come today to stand beside those left helpless by river erosion. This aid may not solve all your problems, but it comes from the heart as a gesture of solidarity and love.”

The programme was moderated by Abdullahil Kafi, Jamaat’s nominated chairman candidate for Char Ashariadah Union.