UNB, Dhaka

Two major political parties -- BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami -- took opposing positions on the proportional representation (PR) system at a discussion in Dhaka yesterday.

Several smaller parties, however, favoured keeping the existing electoral model, saying people have not lost confidence in it, while some suggested introducing the PR system in an “Upper House” to ensure checks and balances.

Leaders of different political parties and experts made the observations at a seminar titled “Election 2026: A Critical Look at Proportional Representation”, organised by Cosmos Foundation at the city’s Cosmos Centre.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury questioned the idea of holding a referendum on introducing the PR system.

“Why should we go for a referendum on PR? Who has given us that responsibility? The people didn’t give us this responsibility,” he said, adding that discussions can instead take place inside and outside parliament on reform issues like PR.

BNP Presidium Member Abdul Moyeen Khan also opposed the system, saying it would only strengthen political parties while weakening the link between people and their elected representatives.

“People would vote for a party, not an individual, and the party would then decide who becomes a member of parliament. This goes against our democratic spirit, where people elect their own representatives,” he said.

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