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Published : 30 Sep 2025, 04:41 PM
BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that “conspiracies” are being hatched "openly" at home and abroad to obstruct Bangladesh’s electoral process.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Salahuddin said the people of Bangladesh were now “election-minded” and would politically reject those who attempted to create obstacles.
“The atmosphere for elections is prevalent. All candidates, prospective candidates and the public are engaged in campaigning,” he said.
“In such a situation, if any party attempts to obfuscate or obstruct the path to elections, the people will identify them and are likely to reject them politically.”
Asked about Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's recent comments that conspiracies were under way both inside and outside the country, Salahuddin said: “It is apparent that some are conspiring to obstruct the electoral process, which marks Bangladesh’s democratic transition. International quarters may be involved. We can assume both domestic and foreign forces are active.”
He added that Bangladeshis were now “united” and “determined” in the wake of the July Uprising.
“Whoever tries to obstruct the democratic transition of this country or engages in conspiracy, whether at home or abroad, the people will resist them.”
PR MEANS 'PERMANENT RESTLESSNESS'
Salahuddin also criticised the proportional representation (PR) voting system, describing it as a recipe for instability.
“PR is a system of permanent restlessness. In many countries, it has created perpetual instability. No stable government can be established, majorities cannot be formed, and parliaments remain hung,” he said.
Citing survey data, he said that public opinion was not in favour of PR.
“One survey showed 56 percent of people in Bangladesh oppose the PR system. Another survey claimed 70 percent support it. If 56 percent reject PR, how can 70 percent support it? It doesn’t make sense,” he said.
He continued, “For us, PR means public relations -- connecting with people. Everyone is engaged in public relations, and that is the PR we believe in. Those who want to make proportional representation a system of permanent restlessness will not succeed.”
