BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has expressed strong concerns over the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system. He warned that it could threaten Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty if misused by anti-national forces.
Concerns About PR Electoral System
Ishraq Hossain shared his thoughts on Facebook late Tuesday night. He questioned why a political party would aggressively pursue the PR system, suggesting it could be used for anti-national purposes.
He explained that if a party’s share of votes is very small, it could collude with ruling forces to manipulate votes, gain power, or control the country.
“একটি রাজনৈতিক দল এই মুহূর্তে কেন পিআর এর জন্যে মরিয়া হয়ে উঠতে পারে, অনেকের মতো সেটা আমারও প্রশ্ন?”
Translation:
“Why a political party is desperate for PR at this moment is a question for me as well, like many others.”
Threat of Separatist Groups
Ishraq mentioned the presence of small separatist groups in Bangladesh, some of which have foreign support, especially from India. He warned that if such groups use the PR system in parliament, they could demand parts of Bangladesh become separate, which could threaten the country’s unity.
“সংখ্যায় অতি নগণ্য হলেও বাংলাদেশের মাটিতে কিছু বিচ্ছিন্নতাবাদী গোষ্ঠী (স্বশস্ত্র এবং তত্ত্বে বিশ্বাসী) রয়েছে। যাদের একটি বড় অংশকে সরাসরি ভারত পৃষ্ঠপোষণ ও আশ্রয় দেয়।”
Translation:
“Even though their numbers are very small, there are some separatist groups in Bangladesh (armed and ideologically driven). A large part of them is directly supported and sheltered by India.”
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PR System and Sovereignty Risk
He emphasized that the PR system could potentially be exploited by neighboring countries and superpowers to interfere in Bangladesh’s politics. According to him, historical patterns show that those who did not support Bangladesh’s independence have always tried to control it.
“অতীতে যারা স্বাধীন বাংলাদেশ চায়নি এবং বর্তমানকালে যারা পতিত হয়েছে, তারাও স্বাধীন বাংলাদেশ বিক্রি করেছে। দুইটা একই জিনিস। তাদের ক্ষমতা চাই, দেশ তাদের প্রভুদের।”
Translation:
“In the past, those who did not want an independent Bangladesh, and in the present, those who have become corrupt, have sold Bangladesh. Both are the same. They want power, and the country is for their masters.”
Strong Warning to Anti-National Forces
Ishraq Hossain firmly stated that the people of Bangladesh will not allow traitors or anti-national elements to take control. He vowed to defend the country with his life and not allow the 1971 and 1924-type collaborators to rule.
“দেশের জন্যে জীবন দিয়ে দেবো তবু একাত্তর আর চব্বিশ, এই দুই প্রজাতির রাজাকারদের হাতে তুলে দিবো না। অথবা অন্য যেকোনো দেশের দালালদের কাছে দেশকে নত হতে দেবো না ইনশাআল্লাহ।”
Translation:
“I will give my life for the country, but I will never let the 71 and 24 Rajakars hold power, nor will I let the country bow to the traitors of any other nation, God willing.”
Conclusion
Ishraq’s post highlights serious concerns about Bangladesh’s political future, especially regarding the PR system and foreign influence. He urges vigilance to protect the country’s sovereignty and independence.
Source: FB/ Ishraque Hossain
