Push for PR system meant to delay election: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday rejected the demand for a proportional representation (PR) voting system, saying the people of Bangladesh will not accept it.

He accused some political parties of promoting PR to delay the upcoming national election and obstruct the restoration of democratic order. Fakhrul emphasized that the people want the election held by February 2026, as promised by interim government head Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking at a memorial discussion organized by the National People’s Party at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, Fakhrul noted that the PR system was not suggested by the Reform Commission but some parties are lobbying for it, which he claimed aims to postpone the election indefinitely. He reaffirmed BNP’s firm stance against PR, saying nothing imposed on the people will be accepted.

Fakhrul highlighted that the people desire a return to democracy and believe the election will fulfill their hopes. Reflecting on the 14 months of the interim government, he said people expect the start of a genuine democratic process rather than an overnight transformation.

He added that any party can win the election depending on the public’s will, but people will favor parties with a proven record in governance.

He stressed BNP’s commitment to democratic reforms and a fair election while dismissing claims of being anti-reform. Fakhrul recalled BNP’s founding by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who introduced multi-party democracy.

He praised Prof Yunus and his advisory council for guiding the nation toward democracy and said the interim government has already initiated reforms aligned with BNP’s 31-point reform proposal.