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Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee, has categorically ruled out the possibility of forming an electoral alliance with their long-time ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. However, he indicated that the door remains open for discussions with the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) until the election schedule is announced.
In an interview with UNB, Salahuddin stated, “The demands raised by various political parties regarding the election are part of their broader strategy. We expect the national election to be held by mid-February next year under the interim government.”
Urging the National Consensus Commission to expedite discussions on reforms, he warned that unnecessary delays could disrupt the election process. He said, “I don’t see any possibility of an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. In the past, we allied with them for strategic reasons, but this time, we don’t feel the need to partner with them. BNP is now focused on forming an alliance and a national government with parties that participated in the simultaneous movement and democratic struggle. We are not considering anything beyond that at the moment.”
Regarding a potential alliance with the NCP, Salahuddin remarked, “Discussions on political alliances will continue until the election schedule is announced. Time will tell what happens. All democratic parties will adopt various strategies before the election. We’ll have to wait to see what strategy BNP adopts and who it allies with.”
Expressing dissatisfaction with the prolonged discussions of the National Consensus Commission, he noted, “I believe these discussions are being unnecessarily prolonged. They should have concluded within a reasonable timeframe. There are some shortcomings in how the commission’s meetings are conducted, which are making the process time-consuming. I hope these discussions won’t drag on much longer. A summary and decision need to be reached now.”
On the caretaker government system, Salahuddin said, “The caretaker government system has practically been reinstated. We are now awaiting the Supreme Court’s review verdict. We hope the Appellate Division will deliver a positive ruling on the review petition.”
Emphasizing that the people of Bangladesh want a national election under a neutral caretaker government, he added, “There is still debate about the structure of this system or whether a former Chief Justice should remain the Chief Adviser. Discussions on alternatives are ongoing. BNP, other parties, and the Reform Commission will submit their proposals. If no better alternative is agreed upon, the current structure will remain.
Salahuddin strongly opposed the introduction of a Proportional Representation (PR) system for the upcoming election, arguing that Bangladesh’s current political, social, and electoral culture is not suitable for it. “In a PR system, voters become disconnected from their directly elected representatives, discouraging voter participation and potentially causing political instability due to the lack of a clear parliamentary majority. Our voters prefer to vote for familiar, local candidates. In a PR system, it’s possible that even if a party gets more votes in one area, someone from another area could be elected. This does not reflect the people’s mandate and weakens democracy. In countries where PR works, local governments are also strong, but that’s not the case in Bangladesh, where MPs are directly involved in development projects. Thus, PR won’t work here,” he explained.
He further noted, “Bangladesh needs a political system where people can directly elect their representatives. Bangladesh is not ready for the PR system; it has never been implemented here, and the public is unfamiliar with it. Another issue with PR is that independent candidates lose the opportunity to contest. Even a highly popular candidate who isn’t affiliated with a party would have no chance of being elected. This is unjust and undemocratic. Smaller parties want PR because it allows them to win more seats with fewer votes, but this leads to weak coalition governments and prevents strong leadership from emerging.”
Representing BNP in the National Consensus Commission’s discussions, Salahuddin asserted, “BNP will not accept elections under the PR system under any circumstances. Some parties are making various demands—some want reforms, others say no election without justice, and some want PR. These demands may have different motives, but we are confident that, as per the Constitution, the election will be held by February next year. Everyone has the right to speak, but such statements may be politically motivated.”
On new political parties, he said, “We respect new political parties and wish them well. However, true political weight comes from public support. Some small parties may make big claims, but they represent only a small fraction of the population. In politics, public opinion matters the most.”
Acknowledging potential differences among BNP’s allied parties, he added, “This could be part of a bargaining strategy, such as seat-sharing arrangements.”
Regarding the Awami League’s future, 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, akin to a mafia organization. From before 1975 to today, their history shows no practice of democracy. Democracy is simply not in their blood.”
