BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the goal was to build Bangladesh as a non-communal nation, but some are now trying to view the country through a religious lens. He expressed hope that in the upcoming national election, the people will once again give their verdict that Bangladesh truly stands for secular and inclusive values — rooted in the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism.

He made these remarks today (Monday) while speaking to journalists after a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Christian Forum at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Mirza Fakhrul noted that a concerning political trend has emerged in recent times. The very identity for which the people fought the Liberation War in 1971 is being overshadowed by new narratives and ideologies, which, he said, are not beneficial for the nation.

“We firmly believe that Bangladesh is a non-communal country, and as a nation, we want to uphold and strengthen that ideal,” he added.

Referring to the proposed Proportional Representation (PR) system by the Reform Commission, Fakhrul said it should not be implemented at this stage, as it remains new and unfamiliar to the public. “It would be better to leave the matter for the next parliament to decide,” he suggested.

He further explained, “We always want a fair, free, and credible election. The government and the Election Commission are trying to make that happen, but certain issues are causing concern. The main problem with the PR system is that it limits voters’ ability to choose individual candidates. Instead, they have to vote for a party, which weakens the concept of direct representation.”

Mirza Fakhrul warned that introducing a new electoral system suddenly could confuse voters. “For people who want a democratic government and an early election, this move raises serious concerns,” he concluded.