BNP’s Zahid warns against ‘imposing party agenda’ on public amid proportional representation debate

He says attempts to force through the proportional representation system risks pushing the country into “an anarchic situation”

BNP leader Prof AZM Zahid Hossain has warned that no political party can impose its own agenda on the people as debate grows over demands for a proportional representation (PR) electoral system in Bangladesh.

Speaking at an event on Friday, the BNP Standing Committee member said attempts to force through such a system risks pushing the country into “an anarchic situation”.

“You want to push the country into an anarchic situation… What is the purpose? To create some kind of chaos within the country? But remember, this is not the Bangladesh of old. You can’t create anarchy even if you want to,” he said.

“Let’s go to the people. Let’s see what's acceptable to them. You bring your agenda and we'll bring ours. We’ll salute the people’s choice. But under no circumstance can you impose your party, group or any other agenda stemming from a local or international conspiracy on the public.”

ECHOES OF 'AUTHORITARIANISM'

Zahid noted that calls for PR system had only recently surfaced as Bangladesh gears up for a general election next year. “Have any of you heard anyone say they wanted the PR system before Aug 5 [2024] or in the last 16 or 17 years? No, you haven’t,” he said.

“Some people are now raising the issue. That’s nothing wrong with that because this is the beauty of democracy. And the beauty of democracy also lies in the fact that there will be differences in expression.”

However, he cautioned that insisting that nothing would be allowed to proceed until the demand was met resembled authoritarianism.

“It means, the language of the toppled autocracy is echoed. Is that right? If you believe in democracy, you put your issues in your election manifesto. You can say that if you’re elected, you’ll push for the system in future.”

BNP REFORM AGENDA

Zahid also referred to the BNP’s stated reform plans.

“For example, the BNP announced a 31-point programme setting out the party's agenda if it is elected. It’s an open document. It wasn’t unveiled today but first announced in December 2022 -- a 27-point programme for state reform. Then in July 2023, we launched a 31-point programme.”

As the elections draw nearer, he said different groups were taking to the streets with programmes and calls for unity, which he welcomed.

But he stressed that opinions must not be forced onto people without their consent.

“It’s good to hold programmes and create public awareness. However, it doesn’t mean you’ll impose your opinion in the name of public and that too, without their consent.”