PR System Could Create Chaos: National University VC

Dr A S M Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, has warned that Bangladesh is not yet prepared to implement the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections. He stressed that the infrastructure and preparation required for this system are currently inadequate, and implementing it prematurely could create disorder in the country. According to him, the contexts in countries where the PR system functions effectively are very different from Bangladesh’s realities.

Dr Amanullah made these remarks on Sunday (28 September) following a dialogue on the 13th National Parliamentary Election held at the Election Commission Bhaban. The event was attended by academics, representatives of civil society, and intellectuals.

On the PR system, he elaborated:

• Bangladesh lacks the experience and preparation needed to implement PR effectively at present.
• He stressed that now is not the right time to introduce the system.
• As Vice-Chancellor, he highlighted the university’s extensive network: 64 districts and over 500 sub-districts, with thousands of affiliated educational institutions hosting approximately 4 million students.
• Dr Amanullah indicated that the university has submitted proposals on how these resources could assist the Election Commission in conducting elections.
• The National University is ready to cooperate fully with the Election Commission.

Dr Amanullah also pointed out:

• Bangladesh has around 2.2 million Scouts and BNCC members, who could play an active role in electoral processes.
• Including these members in election operations forms a core part of the university’s proposal to support national elections.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the need for an official announcement of the election date:

• There is currently uncertainty both within the country and abroad regarding the election.
• Declaring the date promptly would eliminate this uncertainty.
• A clear timeline would also address questions or doubts about the electoral process at both national and international levels.

Dr Amanullah concluded that while Bangladesh has resources and potential mechanisms to assist elections, the PR system itself is not yet feasible, and careful preparation is essential before considering its implementation.