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Published : 02 Sep 2025, 09:03 PM
Islami Andolon Bangladesh has demanded that the general election be held under a proportional representation (PR) system, saying that if necessary a referendum should be arranged beforehand to take public opinion.
On Tuesday afternoon, Ashraf Ali Akon, presidium member of Islami Andolon, placed the demand during a meeting of seven political parties with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at his residence State Guest House Jamuna.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh has formally proposed the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) voting system for the general election, urging the government to consider holding a referendum if necessary to gauge public support for the model.
The proposal was raised by Ashraf Ali Akon, a presidium member of Islami Andolan, during a multi-party dialogue with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday afternoon.
Representatives from seven political parties participated in the meeting, which focused primarily on election-related issues, the political climate, and law and order.
Speaking to the media after the talks, Akon said the party submitted a formal recommendation for transitioning to a PR-based electoral system in place of the current winner-takes-all format.
Asked how the chief advisor responded to the PR proposal, he said: “They took note of it and said they would consider it.”
Speaking about law and order, he said: “We said the law and order system has collapsed. We have not seen any visible progress by the law-enforcing agencies.”
Party representatives present at the briefing said the meeting’s discussions mostly revolved around the election, the political atmosphere, and law and order.
Besides Islami Andolan, delegations from AB Party, Nagorik Oikko, Gonoshonghoti Andolon, Gonadhikar Parishad, LDP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Jatiyo Gonofront, and Hifazat-e Islam Bangladesh took part in the day’s talks.
On Sunday, Yunus held separate meetings with the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP).
GANOSAMHATI ANDOLON SEES ‘2 PROBLEMS’
Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki said the chief advisor discussed holding a fair election by February next year and sought advice from political parties.
He highlighted two major issues: the interim government’s failure to restructure state institutions properly, leading to poor law and order, and the problematic election environment.
Saki suggested forming a committee with political parties and Election Commission members to ensure a better election atmosphere and urged resolving political conflicts over judiciary transparency and reforms.
“Matters not related to the Constitution can be implemented through ordinances,” he said.
AB PARTY POINTS TO ‘LACK OF DISCIPLINE’
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said, “We see a lack of discipline in government operations. The Chattogram University incident shows poor coordination with law enforcers.
“Unless this is resolved, doubts over the election will remain. These incidents are undermining the government’s credibility.”
He proposed creating committees at national and local levels to manage seat disputes.
GONO ODHIKAR PARISHAD SEEKS POLLS CLARITY
Gono Odhikar Parishad’s Rashed Khan said the government expressed regret over the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and promised a judicial probe and medical treatment abroad.
He questioned whether administration and security forces are loyal and cooperative with the interim government, pointing to the presence of a parallel “invisible” government.
On referendums, he said the chief advisor ruled them out but asked what role the government would play if demands persist.
He called for clear election procedures to build trust and ensure all parties can participate.
