Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that people will not accept anything that is imposed on them, commenting on the ongoing attempts to delay elections through protests over the proportional representation (PR) system.

Speaking at a memorial event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium, Fakhrul said that discussions on reform proposals have been ongoing for a long time. “Most of the decisions or proposals being put forward by the reform commission are already included in BNP’s 31-point demand,” he said. 

He said a document regarding the matter will be signed on Friday (17 October), and any unresolved issues will be taken to the electorate during the elections.

Fakhrul raised concerns over the public’s awareness of the new PR system, saying that the reform commission had not introduced it but only a few political parties had. 

There is discussion and agitation over the PR system because the sole objective is to delay the election. The people will not accept PR. BNP has already stated it will not happen. The people will not accept anything that is imposed upon them,” he added.

Fakhrul said the public wants to witness an election through which they can return to a democratic system and fulfil their hopes and aspirations. “Overnight reforms cannot convince the people within 14 months. They want to return to a democratic system,” Fakhrul added.

Stressing BNP’s vision for a self-reliant Bangladesh, Fakhrul said the election will take place, and the people will choose the party they consider tested.

Let us not lose the opportunity that the people of this country have been given to establish a democratic state. Some people are trying to mislead the nation about 1971. Because 1971 happened, we are dreaming about the country today. There are many conspiracies, but the people of this country have the strength to defeat them,” he added.