BNP Leader Salahuddin Ahmed Warns PR System Could Lead to Party Dictatorship

Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the BNP’s Standing Committee, has expressed concerns that the Proportional Representation (PR) system could pave the way for party-level dictatorship in Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Proportional Representation in Bangladesh: Potential for Inclusion or Pathway to Political Instability” on Thursday, 25 September, Salahuddin warned that both party and individual autocracy could be reinforced through PR.

The seminar was organised at the Supreme Court Bar Association Auditorium to mark the 15th anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist British Law Students Alliance.

Salahuddin highlighted the historical struggle for direct elections, dating back to 1970, emphasising the principle of “one person, one vote”, which had played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s creation. He argued: “Through PR, we are effectively inventing an autocratic method to undermine the very system we fought for. Party dictatorship will be established, and simultaneously individual dictatorship will also take root.”

He stressed that in direct elections, each party nominates candidates transparently, and voters decide their preferred candidate or symbol. This, he said, is the right of the people.

“If PR is implemented, the public will not know who the party intends to select as MP. Only the party’s supreme leader, president, secretary, or council (Majlis-e-Shura) will know. The people will be reduced to voting solely for symbols, with no influence over the actual MP selection.”

Salahuddin further explained that while PR exists in several developed countries, those nations often have much smaller populations or have adapted PR according to their local demographics.

“We have not yet developed local government systems adequately. We must consider our own context. The people have a right to know whom they are voting for because accountability to the electorate is essential.”

He warned that implementing PR without transparency could lead to constant political instability, potentially benefiting neighbouring countries or forces opposed to Bangladesh’s welfare.

At the seminar, Nasir Uddin Ahmed Aseem, BNP’s International Affairs Secretary, spoke as the main speaker. Special guests included BNP Executive Committee member Ruhul Quddus Kajol and senior lawyer Ragib Rauf Chowdhury.

The event was attended by members from various levels of the Bangladesh Nationalist British Law Students Alliance.

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