Addressing a protest rally in Rangpur, Jamaat leader Mia Golam Parwar declared that the era of ruling Bangladesh by force was over.

He challenged the government to hold a referendum on the proportional representation (PR) system. “If the people support PR, you must accept it. If they reject it, we will accept their verdict,” Parwar said.

He warned that holding elections under the current structure without reforms would only create “another Hasina and another fascism.” Citing surveys showing 70% support for PR and backing from 25 out of 31 political parties, he argued the system would ensure a quality parliament free of muscle power and black money.