Disruption in democracy could bring a ‘dark horse’: Warns Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday warned that any disruption in the democratic process could lead to the ‘entry of a dark horse’, creating more uncertainty in the country’s political situation.

Talking to reporters at the party’s Nayapaltan central office, he also criticised those promoting the proportional representation (PR) system as the best model of democracy, calling the idea “unrealistic and misleading.”

“In most democratic and developed countries like Britain and the United States, people directly vote for their representatives. So, why suddenly claim that PR is the best model of democracy? I think such comments are unnecessary and confusing,” Rizvi said.

In an indirect reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the party is pushing for the PR system and a referendum before the national election to mislead the nation as part of a master plan, possibly to derail the election.

The BNP leader urged all those involved in the democratic movement to stay united so that the country’s democratic journey faces no obstacle. “Otherwise, a dark horse may enter and cause harm,” he warned.

Rizvi said even in developed countries, debates continue over whether the PR system truly reflects public opinion.

“Japan, one of the most advanced democracies, applies PR to only 37 percent of its system. Discussions and criticisms about the PR system are going on all over the world, and it has not been fully implemented anywhere. So, why would they suddenly want to introduce it here?” Rizvi asked.

He said raising the PR issue just before the national election would only create confusion among voters. “Most people in Bangladesh have little or no idea about proportional representation. Many are already confused about how it works.”

On the issue of the referendum on the July Charter and the national election, Rizvi said holding both on the same day would be more practical and acceptable.

“Some parties want the referendum before the election, but if the national polls are to be held in early or mid-February — before Ramadan begins — it will not be possible to organise a separate referendum earlier. Both should be held on the same day,” he said.

The BNP leader said preparations for both the referendum and the election require significant time and public involvement, which is not possible within the current schedule.

“It is urgent to hold the national election soon. Everyone feels that the country’s political and economic problems are getting worse day by day. You can see the economic situation — investment has dropped to almost zero as there is no elected government,” he observed.

Rizvi warned that if power is not handed over to elected representatives soon, the crisis will deepen further.

“If there were an elected government, both domestic and foreign investors would have confidence, they would feel encouraged to invest, and they would invest. Investment is directly linked to job creation and the overall recovery of the economy,” he said.