NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is sounding the alarm about election interference. Senior leader Selima Rahman claims groups defeated in the 1971 war are behind new protests. She specifically accused Jamaat-e-Islami of using demands for a Proportional Representation system as a cover. The BNP vows to prevent any delay and ensure the polls proceed.

Key Points: BNP Blames 1971 War Defeated Forces for Plotting Election Disruption

  • BNP accuses Jamaat-e-Islami of staging protests to create pre-election instability
  • Leader Selima Rahman links plotters to groups defeated in 1971 Liberation War
  • Warns Proportional Representation system would erode individual voting rights
  • Reiterates BNP's commitment to ensuring elections are held on schedule
3 min read

Those defeated in 1971 B'desh war, now trying to disrupt polls: BNP

BNP leader Selima Rahman alleges Jamaat-e-Islami and other radical groups are using PR system demands to derail Bangladesh's national elections.

"The conspirators are the defeated forces of 1971. They are talking about PR, which ordinary people neither know nor understand. - Selima Rahman"

Dhaka, Sep 24

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has alleged that the groups defeated in the country's 1971 Liberation War are attempting to derail the upcoming national elections by staging street protests demanding a Proportional Representation (PR) system, local media reported.

Addressing a discussion titled 'Democracy and the Constitution of Bangladesh in the Current Context' in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman accused radical Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, of taking to the streets in the name of the PR system to create instability in the country.

"We are observing that even after the announcement of the election roadmap, there is still a plot to stop or delay the election. The conspirators are the defeated forces of 1971. They are talking about PR, which ordinary people neither know nor understand," Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Dhaka Tribune, quoted Selima as saying.

She argued that under the PR system, there would be no individual candidates, as people would only be able to cast their vote for a party.

Reiterating the BNP's strong opposition, she warned that the PR system would only erode people's voting rights.

Slamming Jamaat, Selima further said, "Jamaat -- those who once killed people of this country, who betrayed the nation by siding with Pakistan, who acted as Razakars and Al-Badr, who raped women and handed them over to the occupation forces -- today they may appear holy in their words, but they have not forgotten their past ideology."

The BNP leader also accused Jamaat of "trying to undermine the hard-won democratic achievements" of Bangladesh, which were gained through a long struggle.

"Their aim is to stop the election, to delay it, or to create instability in the country. But the people of Bangladesh will not allow this. BNP is a large party, and it will never let that happen. The election will be held, people will cast their votes, and an accountable government will be established. That is our promise," she added.

Last week, the BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir slammed the joint street programmes announced by several radical Islamist parties, including Jamaat, arguing that pressing for demands, such as the PR system in elections, is "not good for democracy".

The parties that earlier collaborated with Muhammad Yunus to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, are now at loggerheads over reform proposals.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The PR system debate is interesting. While it might work in some countries, Bangladesh needs stability right now. BNP is right to be cautious about radical elements hijacking the electoral process. Hope our neighbors have peaceful elections.
R
Rohit P
Strong words from Selima Rahman! The reference to 1971 war crimes is significant. India has always stood with Bangladesh's liberation struggle, and it's concerning that these forces are still active. Democracy must prevail.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the historical context, I wish the focus was more on explaining the PR system benefits rather than just attacking opponents. Voters deserve to understand all options properly. The democratic process should be about informed choices.
K
Karthik V
Bangladesh's stability matters for regional peace. As Indians, we should support democratic processes in our neighborhood. The 1971 reference is powerful - some wounds never heal, and we must remember history to avoid repeating mistakes.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how historical conflicts continue to shape modern politics. The PR system debate seems like a proxy for deeper ideological battles. Hope Bangladesh finds a peaceful resolution that respects democratic values.
D
Divya L
The mention of Razakars and Al-Badr brings back painful memories

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50