BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has criticized parties pushing for proportional representation (PR) in elections, claiming they fear direct polls. “Many Islamic parties have never had their candidates elected to parliament, including Islami Andolon,” he said. According to Dudu, Islami Andolon suffered severe political setbacks at the hands of the Awami League, particularly in the most recent Barishal election where their spiritual leader was injured. “Now they are opposing the Awami League, though they had long participated in elections under its tenure, even treating AL as a ‘friendly’ party,” he added. Dudu also argued that in countries where PR has been implemented, political instability has been common — citing Nepal as an example, where governments have fallen at least ten times within three years. He further stated that if any political party fails to contest elections even during an interim government, it would be their own failure.