BNP’s Salahuddin says people must decide on proportional representation system

He urges political unity and makes a call to create no more crises

Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmad has emphasised that the decision on whether Bangladesh should adopt a proportional representation electoral system must ultimately rest with the people.

Speaking at an event on Saturday, the party’s Standing Committee member said political movements and negotiations on the same issue may appear contradictory.

“Some are saying they want PR. Fine, but if it is to be implemented, it has to be decided by the people,” he said, adding that a few marches or rallies do not establish PR.

“If both table discussion and street protests take place on the same issue, that is contradictory. Some say they want PR… fine. If PR is to be implemented, it will be decided by the people.

Urging parties to present their demands in their manifestos and face the electorate, he added: "If the people endorse you and your manifesto, then you implement it. This is the democratic norm.”

Salahuddin also urged all political parties and the country’s people to remain united and avoid creating further crises.

“We must preserve the anti-fascist unity that has formed, strengthen it, and through it continue democratic practices and build a democratic state.”

He emphasised that constructing a democratic state with robust economic growth would be possible only under these conditions.

The discussion session, titled “Education and educational institutions with human values”, was organised by Arpan Alok Sangh at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in Kakrail.