BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday warned that any move to introduce a proportional representation (PR) system for political gain or out of self-interest – at the cost of national priorities could lead to dangerous consequences.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Gulshan, he said, “If anyone seeks PR with the motive of gaining more seats or serving narrow political interests, ignoring national concerns, it will result in disastrous outcomes.”
Referring to ongoing political demonstrations, Salahuddin noted that those protesting are demanding implementation of the July Charter, which is still under discussion. “The people will judge whether it is appropriate to launch movements while the implementation process is ongoing,” he added.
Issuing a stern warning, the BNP leader said, “We will respond on the ground if challenged on the ground.” He reiterated his party’s firm opposition to PR, whether in the upper or lower house, and urged political parties to seek public support through manifestos and elections, not executive orders.
Salahuddin criticized any move to ban political parties by executive order, saying it would set a dangerous precedent. “If political parties can be banned by executive decisions, then all 28 parties that supported autocratic regimes should be banned too. Who would be left to contest elections?”
He further alleged that calls for banning political parties could stem from attempts to gain undue advantage and may eventually lead to national disunity, opening the door for opportunistic forces to exploit the situation.
Salahuddin also warned that failing to establish a stable government could endanger both national and regional security.
