BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that any significant electoral reform, including the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system, must be enacted through Parliament with the public’s mandate. Speaking at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday, Khasru emphasized that such fundamental changes cannot occur outside the democratic framework and require legislative consensus.
His remarks followed a liaison meeting with parties that previously joined BNP’s joint movement, including Bangladesh Jono Adhikar Party, JAGPA, Amjanata Dal, and Democratic Left Unity. Khasru clarified that BNP’s 31-point reform agenda does not include PR, stressing that major structural changes need parliamentary approval, as was the case when Bangladesh shifted from a presidential to parliamentary system.
He highlighted that BNP seeks reforms based on consensus, not uniformity, rejecting a one-party approach like BAKSAL. Reforms without consensus, he noted, should be debated publicly for each party to gain voter support.
Addressing the upcoming election preparations, Khasru said all allied parties have agreed to work collectively to ensure both electoral success and the implementation of the 31-point reform plan if the public grants them a mandate.
