Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim has said the only solution to the current political crisis is the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system.
He called for a referendum to implement the PR system and the July Accord, if necessary.
Faizul made the remarks as the chief guest at a rally held at the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque on Thursday afternoon.
He reiterated the call for the implementation of the July Accord and the PR system, stating that the movement would cease if the public opposed it. He emphasized, “If the people do not want it, we will withdraw our demand as well.”
Addressing the issue of accountability for those involved in violent uprisings, he said, “After a blood-soaked revolution, we cannot even think about continuing street movements to demand justice for the killers and to halt the activities of fascist allies.”
Faizul also remarked, “We have been advocating for the PR system for years. Most of the people in the country want it, as shown by various surveys. We don’t want to take this to the streets anymore.”
Commenting on the opposition BNP’s stance, Faizul Karim said, “If BNP can trust the people, what’s their problem with the PR system? If they win 90% of the vote and secure 270 seats, we have no issue.”
Faizul further criticized the appointment of music teachers in secondary schools, stating, “The quality of education in primary schools is very poor. Instead of appointing teachers for subjects like language, science, mathematics, and information technology, appointing music teachers seems deliberate.”
The rally, organised by the two Dhaka city chapters of the party, featured the main speech by the northern president, Professor Sheikh Fazlul Bari Masud. Other speakers included the president of Dhaka South, Maulana Imtiaz Alam, assistant general secretary Ahmed Abdul Koyyum, and Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar.
The rally concluded with a procession, which passed through Paltan and ended at Baitul Mukarram with a prayer and dua.
