PR debate must not undermine democratic aspiration: Dr. Moin

Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan. Wikipedia

Dhaka, Jun 30 - BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday said those trying to create confusion over the issue of proportional representation (PR) are in fact undermining the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for democracy.

“PR can be a subject of discussion. Of course, there may be PR. It’s not a big issue whether PR is adopted or not. But if anyone uses PR to create conflict in people’s aspirations for democracy, I would say they do not believe in the ideals of Bangladesh,” he said while addressing the general meeting of Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal in the capital.

Moyeen Khan said BNP’s history and activities prove that the party has never shown any disrespect to the people of other faiths as it bears the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who founded Bangladeshi nationalism. 

Its (Bangladeshi nationalism’s) core principle is that every citizen, regardless of religion, caste or ethnicity, will live in this country as a Bangladeshi, he said.

Criticising many other political parties, he said, “We’ve seen different political parties that say one thing and do the opposite. But the BNP has never done such kind of politics.”

The BNP leader said their politics is based on the honesty of Ziaur Rahman and the uncompromising principles of Begum Khaleda Zia.

“Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was an honest leader in heart, speech and deeds. We do politics with the ideal of honesty. We work (do politics) bearing the uncompromising principle of our leader Khaleda Zia,” said Moyeen Khan.

Speaking at the same event, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abedin Farroque alleged that the political parties that want election under the PR (proportional representation) system are basically engaged in an ill-attempt to trap Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. 

He also claimed that a vested quarter is conspiring over the recent meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the Chief Adviser (Prof Yunus) in London.

BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee also spoke at the meeting presided over by Olama Dal convener Maulana Kazi Md Selim Reza at the Diploma Engineers’ Institute. - UNB