Tarique Warns PR System May Divide Nation, Urges Unity

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman spoke at a discussion organised by BNP marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital today (1 July).

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday warned that the proposed proportional representation (PR) electoral system may deepen national division, urging political parties to carefully evaluate its suitability for Bangladesh’s context.

“Some political parties are advocating for a PR system. While this model exists in several countries, I call upon all stakeholders to seriously consider whether it is appropriate for Bangladesh, given our current political and geographic realities,” he said.

Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing a discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

He stressed that “people’s unity is more vital now than ever” and cautioned that adopting PR could result in a fragmented society and unstable government rather than fostering unity.

To establish Bangladesh on a firm democratic foundation, he said, the country must be freed from all forms of subjugation. “There is now an opportunity to build a democratic and discrimination-free nation following the mass uprising that ended fascism,” he said.

Tarique paid tribute to the martyrs of the recent movement, equating their sacrifice with that of the freedom fighters of 1971. He pledged that if BNP returns to power, key institutions and establishments would be named after the martyrs of the 2024 uprising.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that thousands of BNP leaders and activists have been killed, disappeared, or tortured over the past 17 years under the current regime. He claimed around 700 were killed during the mass uprising alone.

He also noted that 60 lakh cases have been filed against BNP members and that party Chairperson Khaleda Zia was jailed in politically motivated cases to suppress the democratic movement.

Fakhrul said the uprising has opened a window to reshape Bangladesh democratically. “As a liberal democratic party, BNP believes in state reform and peaceful change. That’s why we placed a 27-point agenda, later expanded to 31, long before the uprising,” he said.

He criticised misinformation campaigns portraying BNP as anti-reform and urged other political parties not to view BNP as an enemy. “Unity and democracy are non-negotiable. We seek change through parliament, not through conflict,” he said.

Regarding the July Charter, Fakhrul said BNP has already extended support and now it is the government's responsibility to finalise the process.

The event also marked the launch of BNP’s 36-day programme to observe the anniversary of the July Uprising.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged that certain quarters are trying to prevent BNP from returning to power by portraying it as a divisive force. “Various demands are being made to derail the election process and disrupt unity,” he said.

Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed added, “National unity against fascism is our strength. While democratic parties may differ, they must remain united to protect sovereignty and independence.”

Leaders from allied political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, the 12-party Alliance, Nagorik Oikya, Jatiyo Party (Kazi Zafar), Ganosamhati Andolon, NPP, Labour Party, Biplobi Workers Party, Nizam-e-Islam, AB Party, JSD, NDM, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, also addressed the event, echoing calls for unity and democratic transition.