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BNP senior leader Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the demand for proportional representation (PR) in the next national election is aimed at creating a weak government in the country.
“Demanding proportional representation (PR) essentially means demanding a weak government--such unrealistic plans are being made to bring persons who are not fit to be representatives of the people into the National Parliament,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion marking the 48th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Labour Party at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).
In an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, he alleged that the party is pushing for PR to delay the election and to ensure a weak government if the vote goes ahead. “If the government is weak, who benefits? The patriotic people understand this.”
Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said a strong government must be formed through the next national election.
He opposed the amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which changed the rules for alliance elections by requiring candidates to contest using their own party’s symbol rather than a common alliance symbol.
“In the past, BNP formed alliances and allowed partner parties to contest under our symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. Even Jamaat, which now claims to be our opponent, used this symbol in the 2018 election,” the BNP leader said.
He said they will inform the Election Commission in writing so that all parties in the BNP alliance can use the Sheaf of Paddy symbol.
Hafizuddin said the symbol ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ carries weight and recognition in rural areas where many voters are less literate or less aware of other symbols. “People go to polling stations and vote for the Sheaf of Paddy… It would be very sad if those who stood by the Sheaf of Paddy in past struggles are ignored. We will ask the Election Commission to ensure this does not happen.”
Sensing subversive acts by a neighbouring country to obstruct democratic transition in Bangladesh, he alleged that the country does not want Bangladesh to prosper. “Every day until the next election they may carry out disruptive activities. The recent fires at airports and other places raise suspicions about their involvement.”
The BNP leader said the neighbouring country, or its collaborators in the Awami League, want to carry out subversive acts in Bangladesh and jeopardise the nation’s stability, independence and sovereignty.
“No one should think our struggle ended on 5 August. We will prepare ourselves mentally for long-term participation in the nationalist struggle,” he said.
Hafizuddin said all students must be given military training to tackle external threats. “If a neighbouring country seeks to show military power, we will respond militarily. We will train our people and students in voluntary national service, as in other countries. If BNP comes to power, Inshallah this system will be implemented. Our students will receive military training and be ready to defend the nation.”
Hafizuddin said they hope the government will hold a free and fair election in February next year, as announced.
He also called for the removal of partisan advisers from the interim government. “If any adviser is closely linked to a political party, they should be removed. We have already communicated with Professor Muhammad Yunus, asking that the interim government act neutrally and conduct a fair election… Be impartial and run the election fairly, treating everyone equally.”