Most people don’t understand EVM, how will they grasp PR electoral system: Fakhrul

Highlights:

• Fakhrul criticised political parties that have insisted on adopting the PR system
• He called on government to complete reform work and announce July Charter 

The Proportional Representative electoral system – as suggested by Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party – is not understood by most people, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a discussion held at the National Press Club on Tuesday afternoon, he said, "New ideas are emerging that our people are not familiar with. I won't comment on all of them, but let me say this — most people in our country don't even understand what PR is. They still struggle with EVMs. How will they grasp a system like proportional representation?"

Fakhrul also criticised several political parties that have insisted on adopting the PR system before participating in future elections. 

"Create an electoral framework that the people are accustomed to, one that guarantees representation. That is how we solve the crisis. You can't impose foreign systems and expect a solution," he added.

Who benefits from the PR electoral system in Bangladesh?

Stream takes a close look at the proposed Proportional Representation system, why it can lead to more alliances, what experts say and where the differences between political parties lie

He called on the interim government to immediately complete reform work and to announce the July Charter. 

He also urged the government to hold elections within the timeframe discussed in a meeting with BNP leader Tarique Rahman

"Return people's right to vote," Fakhrul said.

Refuting claims that BNP fears reform, the senior party leader said, "Many people taunt us, saying we don't want reform. But the idea of reform started with us."

Criticising Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the "main culprit of fascism," he said, "Before 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was the root of fascism, buried democracy and established a one-party system called BAKSAL. It was Ziaur Rahman who dismantled the situation and reintroduced multi-party democracy."

Praising the Consensus Commission, Fakhrul said, "I see some positive developments. I read in the newspapers today that all parties have agreed to make changes in twelve fundamental areas."