Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has cautioned that implementing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upcoming national election could create a pathway for Awami League’s return to power through an alliance with Jatiya Party.
“Given the current political climate, holding elections under a PR system is not a practical approach. If it proceeds this way, Awami League may use Jatiya Party as a proxy to regain power,” he said during a shadow parliament session on Saturday.
The event, titled “Impact of Student Union Elections on Upcoming National Elections,” was organised by the Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).
Manna, a former vice-president of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), was addressing students and political observers in attendance.
Highlighting the shifting role of Jatiya Party, Manna remarked, “It’s no longer just a tail to the Awami League – it’s now at the front of their political strategy.”
Discussing the general election tentatively scheduled for February, Manna indicated it is likely to go ahead despite ongoing political uncertainty. However, he noted that the next five months could introduce unpredictable developments.
On the influence of student politics, he said, “While student union elections may stir some political undercurrents, they are unlikely to significantly affect the final outcome of the national elections.”
He also spoke optimistically about the July Charter, calling it a “silver line” in the country’s contentious political environment and expressing hope for its full implementation.
Regarding opposition unity, Manna welcomed the consolidation of smaller parties ahead of the elections. He stated that Nagorik Oikya is ready to collaborate with such efforts, including those led by Gono Odhikar Parishad.
However, he strongly criticised the idea of including members of unregistered parties in the chief adviser’s delegation to the United Nations, saying such inclusion lacks legitimacy.
The shadow parliament was chaired by Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron and featured a student debate on the theme “Student Union Election Results Will Not Impact Upcoming National Elections.”
Debaters from the State University of Bangladesh triumphed over their counterparts from Daffodil International University.
Judges for the event included Professor Abu Muhammad Rois, Dr Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, and journalists Sayeedur Rahman, Maidur Rahman Rubel, and Zakir Hossain Liton. Winners were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates in recognition of their performance.
