Dhaka, Aug 21 (V7N) – BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has cautioned that delaying the national elections over demands for a proportional representation (PR) system could ultimately benefit the recently ousted dictatorship.

Speaking at a discussion on democracy and human rights held at the National Press Club on Friday, Dr. Zahid said: “Those who say they will not participate in the polls without the PR system—have they considered the consequences? If the elections are delayed for this reason, the fallen dictatorship will gain an advantage.”

He questioned whether some political parties advocating for the PR system were inadvertently working in favor of authoritarian interests. “There is a danger that such activities may open a path for dictatorship. Everyone must remain united to prevent its return,” he stressed, adding that political differences should be confronted with politics, not force.

Dr. Zahid further noted that reforms in Bangladesh began with the support of BNP. He criticized rival groups for “talking about reforms now” despite never having pursued them in the past. “The constitution does not permit dictatorship. Autocracy arises only through its misuse,” he added.

END/SMA/AJ