PR system may lead to fascist government: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system could result in the formation of another fascist or weak government like that of Sheikh Hasina, which would push the country toward permanent instability.

Speaking at a discussion at the Supreme Court on Thursday (September 25), he said the main goal behind demanding PR is to secure more seats and to create division and instability so that the majority party cannot come to power. According to him, such a system mainly benefits less popular parties.

He further stated that the constitution clearly stipulates direct voting for electing public representatives. Therefore, no unconstitutional or illogical demand should be allowed to endanger the nation. The government must function in line with constitutional continuity, he added.

Referring to recent surveys, Salahuddin claimed that 56 percent of people do not even understand what PR means, yet Jamaat is claiming that 70 percent support it—an attempt to mislead the public.