Forming an upper house without proportional representation (PR) would turn it into an "rehabilitation centre for unemployed politicians", Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque said on Sunday.
"We don't want a chamber to rehabilitate the politically unemployed. What we want is an effective upper house that truly ensures participation of all political parties," he said during a press conference, according to a press release.
"After the July Uprising, everyone hoped that the politics of corruption that had been in Bangladesh for a long time would change. Although the National Consensus Commission reached a consensus on many issues, there is still no consensus on how the parliament will be formed.
"There has been consensus on this. However, the BNP has given a note of dissent. We hope that this issue will be resolved soon and an environment conducive to elections will be created."
Haque further mentioned that the upcoming election would be held through a consensus among all political parties that were part of the mass uprising.
"This election should serve as a safeguard against the return of fascism," he said.
Raising concern over the recent political situation, he said, "Jatiya Party, a long-time ally of fascist forces, is trying to re-enter the field. There is a possibility that fascism may be revived through this party."
He urged all political parties to unite and actively face the challenges of the upcoming election together.
He also announced a list of candidates from 45 constituencies for the upcoming national election alongside candidates that have been changed in seven of the previously announced 223 constituencies.
With this, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has so far announced candidates for a total of 268 constituencies in two phases.
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