Leading political figures on Saturday expressed strong reservations over introducing the Proportional Representation (PR) system in Bangladesh, citing risks of political instability and public unfamiliarity with the system.

Speaking at a seminar held at the Cosmos Center, Gonosamhati Andolan’s Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel said the public still trusts the existing electoral system and wants their long-denied voting rights restored.

PR could only be considered if people lost confidence in the current system. For 17 years, they have not had the opportunity to vote. There is no complaint against the present method,” he added.

Rubel warned that adopting PR could exacerbate Bangladesh’s geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Given Bangladesh’s geographic location, a PR system could destabilize the country, leaving it exposed to neighboring powers such as India, Myanmar, and China. Any instability in this region will attract global powers seeking advantage,” he said.

He cited Nepal as an example, where PR has contributed to political instability, with 14 prime ministers changing in 17 years.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, said PR discussions have largely been confined to the upper house, with no debate in the lower house.

Some forces are pushing PR on the streets without raising it in the commission. The movement for PR in the lower house is being imposed by certain parties,” he said.

He warned that widespread PR adoption could undermine the rights of independent candidates and unregistered parties.

Saiful also noted that a November referendum would be “suicidal,” as low voter turnout could legitimize unconstitutional actions.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna opposed PR in the lower house, saying the July charter proposal already resolves the matter.

The people do not understand PR and have no interest in it. There is no market for PR in the voting arena,” he added.

However, Manna supported establishing an upper house to ensure checks and balances, where PR could be discussed appropriately.

Manna also emphasized the importance of keeping BNP on a democratic path, warning that any deviation could lead to national crises. He called for meticulous and collective planning among all political parties for Bangladesh’s future.

The seminar at Cosmos Center was attended by leaders and representatives from various political parties, who debated the merits and risks of implementing the PR system in the country.