Jamaat demands inclusion of PR proposal in referendum

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been demanding a referendum next month to implement the July Charter, has called for including a proposal on adopting the proportional representation (PR) system in parliamentary elections in that referendum.

The demand was made by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar while addressing a protest rally in Dhaka today.

The rally was held after the Jumma prayers near the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque as part of the second phase of the party's simultaneous movement over five-point demands, including full implementation of the July Charter and holding the next national election under the PR system.

"People's opinion must be sought on the PR system. If the majority supports it, all parties must accept it. And if the majority rejects it, Jamaat-e-Islami will also accept that. But ignoring the PR system without seeking the people's opinion is unacceptable," Porwar said.

He also said, "We will urge the government and the Consensus Commission to reach an agreement on the PR system before signing the July Charter so that the people's aspiration can be fulfilled."

Although political parties have agreed in principle to hold a referendum on implementing the July Charter, they remain divided on its timing. BNP supports holding the referendum alongside the parliamentary polls in February, while Jamaat opposes that proposal.

While Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and some other parties have long been demanding introduction of the PR system in elections, BNP and several others strongly oppose it and favour continuing the current first-past-the-post system.

Criticising opponents of the PR system, Porwar said, "Some parties are mocking a legitimate demand of the majority, saying people don't understand PR or asking sarcastically whether PR is something to eat or wear. But now people are uniting in favour of PR. The system ensures equal value for every vote, curbs the influence of black money, muscle power, and nomination trade, and helps form a quality parliament. That's why 91 countries across the modern world have adopted it."

Porwar further said, "Any politician or intellectual has the right to hold a differing view on any issue or method. But no one has the right to belittle such an important issue raised by a major political party."

The Jamaat leader alleged that a level playing field does not exist ahead of the upcoming election. "Many police officers, DCs, UNOs, secretariat officials, and even some advisers of the interim government have made their roles questionable. By favouring certain parties and making partisan appointments, they are trying to influence the election," he said.

"This must stop to ensure a level playing field. Every party, big or small, must enjoy equal political, constitutional, and Election Commission-given opportunities freely and equally," he added.

Addressing the chief adviser, he said, "You are both the head of the government and the head of the National Consensus Commission. With these two key responsibilities, you must stay firm. Some advisers around you sometimes try to push you toward favouring a particular party. We do not want to see that again."

As part of the ongoing simultaneous movement by seven parties, including Jamaat, a three-day programme was earlier observed in mid-September, demanding implementation of the July Charter and adoption of the PR system.

On September 30, all but one of the parties in the simultaneous movement announced separate new programmes for the second phase.

As part of that programme, Jamaat conducted a countrywide mass outreach campaign from October 1 to 9. Today, the party organised processions and rallies in Dhaka and all divisional cities.

It will hold protest marches across the country on Sunday and submit memorandums to deputy commissioners.

After the rally near Baitul Mukarram's south gate, Jamaat's procession passed through Zero Point and Paltan before ending in Kakrail. The rally was presided over by Muhammad Selim Uddin, a member of Jamaat's central executive council and ameer of Dhaka North city unit, in the presence of central leaders.