Salahuddin: Those who may lose deposits are the ones calling for PR elections

Staff Correspondent

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that those who are likely to forfeit their deposits if they contest in the national election are the ones advocating for a Proportional Representation (PR) based electoral system.

He made this remark on Saturday, July 5, at a rally held at Chunkutia Girls’ High School field in South Keraniganj, Dhaka.

Addressing the leaders of the NCP, Salahuddin said they are claiming they will not participate in the election without fundamental reforms, without justice, or if the current Election Commission remains in place. “Just advise us on what we need to do for them to join the election. Simply saying ‘we won’t contest’ is not enough,” he added.

He further said, “When we talk about reforms and demand justice, some say we want to delay justice. But those making these claims are the very ones who would lose their deposits if they ran in the election. They are the ones advocating for PR elections.”

The BNP leader also questioned the understanding of the concept of proportional elections.

He said, “They claim the people of Bangladesh want PR elections. But they themselves do not understand the true meaning of PR elections.”

Referring to recent rallies of several parties at Suhrawardy Udyan, he said those parties are demanding proportional representation in both lower and upper houses. Even parties that once fanned Sheikh Hasina with handheld fans are now demanding PR elections.

Pointing to individuals known to be close to the Awami League, he said some of them now speak big words at the reform commission and then return home in the evening after enjoying benefits.

Warning against the dream of staying in power without votes under the guise of reforms and justice, Salahuddin Ahmed said there will be another struggle if necessary to restore democracy.