Dhaka, Thursday — Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar emphasized the urgent need for proportional representation (PR) in Bangladesh’s electoral system, stating that such a method would prevent the emergence of authoritarian rule and eliminate opportunities for election fraud.

Speaking at a party conference held in Kakrail, Parwar said, “One-party governance is at the root of inequality, fascism, and the erosion of citizens’ rights in this country.” He urged that local government elections be completed prior to the upcoming national polls and asserted that PR-based elections ensure genuine representation of the people’s vote.

Welcoming recent calls for a national consensus, he expressed concern that opposition from certain parties is obstructing progress. Additionally, Parwar called for ensuring voting rights for expatriates, proper trials for war crimes, and official recognition of those killed in mass atrocities.