BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly criticized the proposed proportional voting system, arguing it would undermine grassroots leadership development in Bangladesh. Speaking as chief guest at a voluntary blood donation and grouping program at the BNP office in Rangpur city on Thursday (July 3), Rizvi stated:
“What is the need for proportional voting? In this system, no local leaders will be created, nor will leadership be developed. We are in favor of traditional democracy, where legal voters elect their own public representatives.”
He explained that leadership is built through long-term engagement with local people, earning trust, and working for the community. “When proportional voting comes, people vote for the party, and the party appoints MPs. This will only push towards dictatorship,” he warned.
Rizvi further argued that proportional representation would eliminate local political careers and diminish accountability. “We want lasting democracy, where legal voters elect their representatives. The party with the most votes forms the government.”
He criticized proponents of the system, questioning how proportional voting would serve Bangladesh’s 120 million voters. “Democracy, for which people gave their lives, shed blood, and spent years in prison, is now questionable. BNP has never compromised on elections, democracy, or sovereignty.”
Reflecting on 16 years under Awami League rule, Rizvi said, “No youth could sleep peacefully, fearing arrests or dead bodies on riverbanks. This was the daily reality. No one was spared from Sheikh Hasina’s repression. We need unity of democratic forces so that these bloodthirsty forces cannot return.”
Emphasizing BNP’s resilience, he said despite brutal disappearances, murders, and torture of leaders and activists, the party remained united. “BNP has always been uncompromising in its fight for democracy.”
Addressing party members, Rizvi instructed BNP affiliate organizations to avoid extortion or public harassment. “Ensure common people do not suffer from BNP leaders’ behavior. If anyone is involved in misdeeds, the party will take immediate action – there is no concession in this regard.”
