Those pushing for PR system want to derail polls: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday accused proponents of the proposed Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system of attempting to sabotage Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. 

Speaking at a publication and archive unveiling event on late President Ziaur Rahman at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha, he argued that true national consensus cannot be forced upon everyone.

“No consensus is possible if everyone is compelled to accept the National Consensus Commission’s views,” Salahuddin said. “We are discussing and moving closer to what will benefit the nation. Reform is a continuous process — it will not end today.”

The BNP leader also criticized attempts to make constitutional reforms immutable. “The constitution is not a holy book. They [the National Consensus Commission] want to embed reforms in the constitution so that no one can repeal them in the future. But reforms should be adaptable to new needs — that’s what genuine reform means,” he added.

Salahuddin noted that the constitution should evolve with time and future generations. Citing examples, he recalled that the Awami League itself had previously scrapped Article 7 of the constitution. “The constitution isn’t the Bible or a religious text. Future parliaments must always have the power to amend laws.”

He stressed that BNP has been the principal proponent of structural reforms in Bangladesh, pointing out that the party introduced its 31-point reform proposal a year and a half before the current interim government took power. “Our 31-point outline has become a sort of political epic in Bangladesh, keeping windows open for all welfare-enhancing reforms.”

Referring to late President Ziaur Rahman’s governance, Salahuddin urged the new generation to follow his ideals and principled life.

Saturday’s event also featured remarks by cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, PIAB Director General Faruk Wasif, political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman, BNP acting chairman’s advisor Mahdi Amin, poet Tuhin Khan, and other academics and writers. The program began with a documentary on Ziaur Rahman before unveiling a commemorative publication and an online archive dedicated to him.