Jamaat’s threat over PR a ploy to create chaos: Rizvi

Jamaat-e-Islami’s threat to launch a strong movement if their demand for election under proportional representation (PR) system is not met is part of a plan to harm the nation by creating a disastrous situation, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said today (15 September).

“An Islamic party (Jamaat) has said in a press conference that it will launch a tougher movement if their demand for proportional representation (PR) is not met. This, we believe, is a well-planned master plan that will benefit no one,” he said after meeting cancer-affected Hifazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Enamul Hasan Faruqi and providing him with financial assistance at Jamia Madania Madrasa in Baridhara, Dhaka.

Over the past 16–17 years, he said BNP and many other political parties, including all Islamic political parties, have fought for democracy, but they did not raise the issue of the PR system at that time.

The BNP leader questioned the motive behind Jamaat and other Islamist parties’ sudden insistence on holding elections under the PR system, warning that it could mislead people.

He said if local people are unfamiliar with their representatives in advance, confusion will arise, and voters may not be able to decide who to support.

Rizvi argued that bringing this issue so prominently into the spotlight appears to be part of an evil plan. “This will bring no benefit to anyone.”

The BNP leader also accused Jamaat of forming an entente with the defeated force Awami League for political gain, warning that it could create a disastrous situation in the country.

He said in the elections to Ducsu and Jucsu, they observed in some cases that supporters of defeated forces voted for certain student organisations that were elected. 

“Why this is happening is a concern, and the signs are not positive. If these defeated forces manage to return in any way, it would be regrettable for everyone,” he added.

Rizvi said those who are secretly colluding with defeated forces for short-term political gain will bring no benefit to anyone. 

“Behind these defeated forces, there is a big power that does not tolerate Islam or want Bangladesh to exist as an independent Muslim country.”

He also warned that if the Awami League returns, it will bring no benefit and could instead create a risky situation.

The BNP leader said that local people in Sitakunda, Chattogram, captured a cohort of the defeated force Awami League, but Jamaat leaders reportedly tried to secure his release. “This is not a good sign.”

Rizvi voiced concern that such incidents will erode people’s trust in political parties. “When people’s trust and sentiment are manipulated in this way, serious negative consequences can follow.”

He said everyone has the right to express their political opinion as part of democratic practice. “All parties fight together for it. But if someone tries to trap others politically, they must remember that they may fall into the same trap themselves.”

On behalf of ‘Amar BNP Poribar’, a BNP delegation led by Rizvi visited Faruqi as per the instruction of party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. During the visit, they provided financial assistance to support his treatment. Rizvi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to stand by religious scholars, as it has in the past.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced a three-day programme to press home their five-point demand including implementation of the July Charter and holding the national election under the proportional representation (PR) system.

As part of the programme, Jamaat will hold protest rallies in Dhaka on 18 September, rallies in all divisional cities on 19 September and marches in all districts and upazilas on 26 September.

Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher announced the programme at a press conference at Al Falah auditorium at Moghbazar in the capital.