BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that a major change like the proportional representation (PR) electoral system must be passed through parliament with the consent of the people. No one can implement such a change without involving the parliament.
He made the remarks on Wednesday following a meeting of the BNP’s Liaison Committee at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka.
In response to questions from journalists, Amir Khasru said: “Those who are talking about such a significant change like proportional representation must understand that it cannot be done without the next parliament.”
He added: “When we shifted from a presidential to a parliamentary system, it was passed in the parliament through consensus among all parties. So, if any party desires such a change, they must first secure a mandate from the people and bring it to parliament.”
He further said: “Any fundamental change must go to the people first, and only then be passed in the parliament. At this stage, this is not even a matter for discussion.”
Regarding reforms and consensus, the senior BNP leader said: “Wherever consensus has been reached, BNP has already made it clear. Many of the proposed reforms—like a bicameral parliament or limiting the prime minister's term to two—are actually the BNP’s own proposals.”
He added: “So, where is the question of not reaching consensus? However, one must understand that not everything will be agreed upon by all. We are not trying to impose a one-party rule like Baksal.”
He also said: “There will be issues where consensus is possible, and those should be pursued through consensus. For others, every party must go to the people and seek their mandate.”
About the Liaison Committee meeting, Amir Khasru said: “The July–August movement lasted about one and a half to two months, but many were on the streets for years before that against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule.”
He added: “We are speaking to them because this unity is very important for us. This is not just about elections—it’s also about the consensus on our 31-point reform plan. If the people give us the mandate in the next election, we all have to work together to implement these reforms.”
He added that election-related activities have already begun and discussions were held regarding the planned election in early February.
Others present at the meeting included Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho and BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, among others.