BNP leader A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain has said that as the election draws closer, many are launching movements and programs demanding proportional representation (PR). However, he stressed that PR is not an effective step to strengthen democracy.

“People may demand PR as part of their democratic rights. But treating it as something that must happen is an undemocratic mindset. No idea can be truly democratic if it is imposed,” Zahid said.

He further warned that pushing for PR in the name of the people, even when the public does not demand it, only paves the way for authoritarianism and attempts to delay elections. “Trying to pass off a party agenda as the people’s demand will not succeed. The general public themselves will resist it,” he added.