Rangpur: BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today stated that the BNP does not support the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system under any circumstances. 'BNP does not believe in the PR electoral system under any circumstances. Those who are speaking about PR today can go to the people and see what they want. A system cannot be imposed upon the people to achieve partisan interests under any condition,' he declared.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Zahid made these comments while addressing journalists before attending a condolence meeting for Rangpur district BNP member-secretary Anisur Rahman Laku at the District Shilpokola Academy auditorium. He emphasized that those proposing new ideas to delay elections are merely making excuses, asserting that the people of Bangladesh have been accustomed to direct voting for the past 54 years. The Constitution of Bangladesh mandates the election of representatives through direct votes, a system in which the people of Bangladesh have confidence.
Addressing the political parties advocating for the PR system in their manifestos, the senior BNP leader remarked that these parties could incorporate PR into their election platforms. However, he questioned their historical representation in Parliament, asking whether the people had ever entrusted them with any responsibility. Dr Zahid highlighted BNP's past experience in governance, suggesting that elections should continue under the current system based on the present situation.