BNP’s Rizvi Warns Proportional Voting Will Deepen Autocracy and Block Local Leadership

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has slammed the proposed proportional representation (PR) voting system, warning it would centralize power, weaken grassroots leadership, and push Bangladesh further toward authoritarian rule. Speaking at a blood donation event organized by the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at BNP’s Rangpur office on Thursday, Rizvi said PR voting, where parties appoint MPs instead of voters electing local candidates, would block the emergence of local leaders and enable one-party dominance. He urged BNP members to act responsibly and avoid misconduct that could harm the party’s image. Reflecting on years of struggle under the current government, Rizvi honored the sacrifice of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, whose martyrdom ignited nationwide protests for change. The event was attended by BNP and DAB leaders including Advocate Mahfuz Un Nabi Don and Dr. Nikhilendra Shankar Guha.