BNP categorically against proportional representation: AZM Zahid Hossain

Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, a member of BNP’s Standing Committee, has said that the party does not support elections under the proportional representation (PR) system under any circumstances.

Speaking to journalists on Friday evening while attending a memorial event for late Anisur Rahman Laku at the Rangpur Shilpakala Academy, Zahid Hossain said those advocating for PR should first consult the public, as no system should be imposed on people merely to serve party interests.

He added that some parties try to delay elections and democracy under various pretexts, but the people of Bangladesh are accustomed to direct voting, which is enshrined in the Constitution, and they trust this process.

Zahid Hossain also said that parties supporting PR can mention it in their election manifesto, and if voters entrust them with governance, they may implement it. But historical experience shows that such parties have had minimal representation in parliament over the last 60 years. BNP, he said, will contest elections under the existing system.

Regarding Tarique Rahman’s return, he said the BNP leader will come back to the country soon and has confirmed his participation in the upcoming national elections.

On nomination of candidates for 300 seats, Zahid Hossain said BNP, as a major political party, has thousands of trustworthy candidates. The party’s Parliamentary Board, under the chairman’s leadership, will announce nominations in due course, either before or after the Election Commission releases the schedule.

Commenting on objections over NCP’s election symbol, BNP Joint Secretary Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel said parties can raise their claims, but public perception favors symbols with historical continuity.

He also said that in Rangpur Division’s 33 constituencies, multiple capable candidates may contest, but the party will nominate those deemed most suitable.

Organizational Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu remembered the late Anisur Rahman Laku as a strong leader of Rangpur BNP who had earned the affection of party workers.

The memorial event was presided over by Rangpur District BNP convener Saiful Islam and attended by senior leaders including Divisional Organizational Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu, Deputy Organizational Secretary Abdul Khalek, Professor Aminul Islam, and Metropolitan BNP conveners Samsuzzaman Samu and others.