BNP leader Mirza Abbas criticized proponents of the Proportional Representation (PR) system, saying, “You must first teach people how to vote before trying to introduce a new electoral system. Don’t confuse the public with new mechanisms.” He stressed that restoring democracy is the nation’s top challenge and reaffirmed that BNP is not intimidated by state repression. Abbas declared that there will be no more "Talibani-style" elections, and pledged continued resistance if necessary, even at the cost of lives.