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Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) Standing Committee, has categorically ruled out the possibility of forming an electoral alliance with long-time political ally Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. However, he indicated that discussions with the National Citizen Party (NCP) remain open until the election schedule is announced.In an interview with UNB, Salahuddin stated that the demands raised by various political parties ahead of the elections are part of their broader strategies. He expressed optimism that the national election would be held by mid-February next year under the interim government. He also urged the National Consensus Commission to expedite discussions on reform proposals, warning that unnecessary delays could disrupt the electoral process. Salahuddin said, “I see no possibility of an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. In the past, we formed alliances with them for strategic reasons, but this time, we don’t feel the need for it.” He added that BNP is currently focused on forming alliances or a national government with parties that have actively participated in joint movements and democratic struggles. “We are not thinking beyond this for now,” he remarked. When asked about a potential alliance with the NCP, Salahuddin said, “Discussions on political alliances will continue until the election schedule is announced. Time will tell what happens.” He noted that all democratic parties would adopt various strategies before the election, and BNP’s final strategy and coalition partners would become clear in due course. Expressing dissatisfaction with the prolonged discussions of the National Consensus Commission, Salahuddin said, “I believe these discussions are being unnecessarily prolonged. They should have been concluded within a reasonable timeframe.” He pointed out shortcomings in the commission’s meeting management, which have made the process time-consuming. “I hope these discussions won’t drag on much longer. A summary and decision are needed now,” he added. Salahuddin further stated that the caretaker government system has effectively been reinstated, pending a Supreme Court review verdict. “We hope the Appellate Division will deliver a positive ruling on the review petition,” he said. Noting that the people of Bangladesh want a neutral caretaker government for the national election, he said debates persist regarding the framework and whether a former Chief Justice should remain the chief advisor. “BNP and other parties, along with the reform commission, will present their proposals. If no better alternative is agreed upon, the current framework will remain,” he explained. Opposing the proposal for a proportional representation (PR) system in the upcoming election, Salahuddin argued that Bangladesh lacks the political, social, and electoral culture necessary for such a system. “In a PR system, voters become disconnected from their elected representatives, get discouraged from voting, and the lack of a clear majority in parliament can lead to political instability,” he elaborated. He further explained, “Our voters prefer casting ballots for familiar, local candidates. In a PR system, even if a party gets more votes in one area, someone from another area could be elected. This doesn’t reflect the people’s mandate and weakens democracy.” He noted that countries with effective PR systems have strong local governments, which is not the case in Bangladesh, where MPs are directly involved in development projects. “PR won’t work here,” he asserted. Salahuddin highlighted another issue with the PR system: “Independent candidates would lose the opportunity to contest. Even a highly popular individual not affiliated with a party would have no chance of being elected. This is unfair and undemocratic.” He suggested that smaller parties favor PR because it allows them to secure more seats with fewer votes, but this could lead to weak coalition governments and hinder strong leadership. As a BNP representative in the National Consensus Commission, Salahuddin firmly stated, “BNP will not accept elections under the PR system under any circumstances.” He added, “Some parties are making various demands—some want reforms, others say no election without justice, and some push for PR. These are driven by different motives. However, we are confident that the election will take place by February next year, as per the constitution. Everyone has the right to speak, but some statements may be politically motivated.” Salahuddin expressed respect for new political parties but emphasized that true political weight comes from public support. “Some small parties make big claims, but they represent a tiny fraction of the population. In politics, public opinion matters most,” he said. Commenting on potential differences among BNP’s allied parties, he noted, “This could be part of bargaining strategies, like seat-sharing negotiations.” On the future of the Awami League, Salahuddin remarked, “In my view, the Awami League is no longer a political party. They lost their ideals and character long ago. They have transformed into an undemocratic, fascist force—a kind of mafia organization. From before 1975 to now, their history shows no practice of democracy. Democracy is not in their blood.”
