Join parliament to bring fundamental changes: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that any proposal for a major electoral reform like proportional representation (PR) system must go through Parliament with the public’s mandate.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at BNP Chairperson’s office at Gulshan in Dhaka he made these remarks.

He emphasized that such fundamental changes cannot be decided outside the democratic framework and must be enacted through due legislative process.

His comments came following a liaison meeting between BNP and several parties that had previously participated in a joint movement; including Bangladesh Jono Adhikar Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (JAGPA), Amjanata Dal and Democratic Left Unity.Bangladeshi cuisine recipes

On PR system, Khasru clarified, “Our 31-point reform outline doesn’t include anything about proportional representation. Those suggesting such major changes should know that nothing of this scale can happen without the next Parliament’s approval. When Bangladesh transitioned from a presidential to a parliamentary system, all parties had to reach consensus in Parliament to pass the changes.”

Regarding political reforms, BNP leader said, “BNP has reached consensus on many issues. But we’ve always maintained that we don’t aim for total uniformity; we’re not building a one-party system like BAKSAL. Reforms will be based on consensus. On matters where there is no consensus, each party must go to the people and gain support through public discourse.”

Addressing the liaison committee’s meeting, Khasru added, “We’re reconnecting with those who stood beside us on the streets. Our unity is crucial not just for the election, but also for implementing the 31-point reform agenda. If the public gives us a mandate in the upcoming election, we must all work together to bring those reforms to reality.”

He further noted, “Preparations for the early February election, as mentioned in our joint statement, have already begun. All parties involved have agreed to work collectively to ensure the success of both the upcoming election and the 31-point reform plan.”