Rizvi Questions Motives Behind PR Demands, Calls for Fair Administration

Senior Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, has voiced opposition to the proportional representation (PR) system, arguing that the public is not prepared for such an electoral framework and that it is unsuitable for Bangladesh. He added that the intentions of those demanding PR remain questionable.

Rizvi spoke to reporters on Monday, 18 August, after paying tribute at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. The event was organised by the newly formed Nilphamari District BNP Committee in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. During the interaction, he called for the removal of Awami League cadres from the administration to ensure free and fair elections.

Rizvi emphasised that free and fair elections should be held in February, but warned that such an outcome is impossible under the current Awami League-controlled administration.

“To hold a fair election, Awami League cadres must be removed from administrative positions. Neutral officers must be appointed at the field level,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming Dhaka University (DU) student union (DUCSU) elections, Rizvi highlighted the importance of ensuring representation of all opinions to maintain a conducive educational environment.

“When student representatives are in place, democratic practices persist within the campus,” he said

Rizvi addressed the ongoing oppression of BNP leaders and activists in Nilphamari, claiming that the district has witnessed numerous killings, enforced disappearances, and acts of torture over the past 16 years of political struggle.

“On the orders of a minister, the entire district was turned into a blood-soaked field,” he said.

Rizvi accused the government and Awami League of consolidating a regime where dissent is suppressed. He alleged that Awami League businessmen laundered BDT 40,000 crore, while political leaders siphoned off hundreds of thousands of crore taka.

He further asserted that the BNP has remained united under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.

The event was attended by several senior BNP leaders, including:

Other party officials and local leaders were also present.

Rizvi’s remarks reiterate BNP’s ongoing critique of the current administration and its call for transparent elections free from political interference.