A major warning for the transition to democracyBangladesh’s politics trapped in PR system

Bangladesh has crossed half a century of independence. On the one hand, development and economic growth, and on the other hand, the struggle to strengthen democracy - the country is moving forward in this dual reality.

Millions of voters of the new generation are joining the electoral process. In this context, various discussions are being held on electoral reforms. Recently, the Proportional Representation (PR) system has come into discussion.

Some political circles claim that this system will ensure the entry of smaller parties into parliament, increase multi-party representation and make democracy more inclusive. But in international experience, especially the example of Nepal, presents us with a dire warning. Nepal has changed governments 13 times in the last 17 years, which is a symbol of terrible political instability for a country.

Nepal experience

Hostage politics from multi-party representation. The purpose of introducing the PR system in Nepal was to strengthen democracy. But in reality, it has become:

• No party has been able to achieve a single majority in parliament.

• Repeated coalition negotiations were required to form and sustain the government.

• Small parties have held large parties hostage by gaining excess power in parliament.

• The policy-making process has suffered from delays.

• Development activities have stalled.

• People have lost trust in political leaders.

Public anger over political instability has even grown so much that ordinary people have lynched leaders, a rare occurrence in the democratic world.

The Constitution of Bangladesh and Reality

According to the constitution of Bangladesh, the National Assembly elections are held under the First Past the Post (FPTP) system. That is, the candidate who receives the most votes in each seat is elected. The PR system is not in our constitutional framework. To introduce it, the constitution would have to be amended—a long, complex, and risky process.

Besides, the political culture and administrative structure of Bangladesh are not yet ready for the PR approach. This can lead to.....

• There is a strong possibility of a hung parliament.

• Administration will become ineffective.

• Political pressure will also increase in the judiciary.

• The entire nation will be plunged into political unrest.

Risks in development projects and the economy

Bangladesh is currently implementing various mega projects including the Padma Bridge, Metrorail, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel, etc. A sustainable government is essential to maintain the continuity of these projects.

What could happen if the PR system is introduced?

• The government will change repeatedly.

• Decision making will be delayed.

• Foreign investors will lose confidence.

• The economy and development will come to a standstill.

Therefore, in the current situation, PR can push Bangladesh's progress to the brink of destruction.

The influence of political culture and religious fringe groups

In the political history of Bangladesh, many small parties have tried to use religion for their political advantage. If the PR system is introduced, these parties could enter parliament and take national politics hostage.

• They will use religious sentiments to increase communal divisions.

• Self-interested agendas, rather than national interests, will be important in policymaking.

• Religious violence and social unrest will increase.

Bengal's culture has always been one of coexistence and harmony. But if religiously-based extremist parties gain additional power in parliament, that tradition will be broken.

Human rights, gender and age-based challenges

Proponents of the PR approach claim that it will increase the representation of women, youth, minorities, and marginalized groups. But in reality:

• Political parties will prioritize loyalty, not merit, in seat distribution.

• Women will only receive symbolic seats, with limited influence in decision-making.

• Young people will only increase the number of votes counted, but their needs will not be fully reflected.

• PR on human rights issues will be used as a tool for political campaigning. As a result, even if there is multidimensional representation, real empowerment will not occur.

Expectations of new voters

Nearly 20 million new voters will join Bangladesh in the upcoming elections. Most of them are young people who want to

• Employment

• Modern education

• Technology-based development

• Political stability

But if the PR system is introduced, they will see politics as more complicated, corrupt, and ineffective. This may turn young people away from democracy.

Advantages of the PR method

• It will be easier for small parties to enter parliament.

• Multidimensional representation will come.

• Different ideologies will be able to come to Parliament.

Limitations of the PR method

• It will be difficult to form and sustain a government.

• Development projects will be disrupted.

• The excessive influence of small parties will hold large parties hostage.

• Corruption, terrorism, and vote buying will increase in seat distribution.

• Religious and communal politics will be stirred up.

• Representation of women, youth and minorities will be symbolic.

The British Experience: A Globally Recognized Democracy

I have worked in the British civil service for over 30 years. From my experience, I have seen that British democracy is a globally recognised model, where the First Past the Post (FPTP) system is still in effect.

The benefits of this system are:

• Representatives of the people are directly elected.

• The government remains stable.

• Decisions are made quickly and effectively.

• Development progresses continuously.

This model of British democracy is most relevant for Bangladesh as well, because our social and political reality is not suitable for the Nepali model.

Alternative View: Direct Election of Religious Leadership

Religious leadership plays an important role in the social reality of Bangladesh. Therefore, my proposal is that leaders of various religious groups can be given the opportunity to be directly elected by the people. In this

• The people will be able to choose truly competent and honest leaders.

• The partisan politics of religious parties will be weakened.

• National unity and harmony will be strengthened.

This way, religious leaders will be able to participate in parliament, but they will be directly elected representatives of the people—not slaves to party loyalty.

Conclusion: Sustainable democracy, not PR, is the way forward for Bangladesh

Nepal's experience has made it clear that representation is not enough, effective and stable government is essential. Considering the current situation in Bangladesh, the PR system is not in our constitution and there is no scope for its introduction.

If it is introduced, it will create a deadlock in the parliament, administration and judiciary. Development will be hampered, investors will lose confidence. Religion-based politics and communal tensions will increase. The entire nation will be immersed in political instability.

Therefore, it can be said that the PR method is neither effective nor suitable for Bangladesh. Rather, we should—

• Strengthening the existing democratic framework,

• Ensuring transparent elections,

• Increasing direct participation of the people,

• And following a model as stable as British democracy.

Bangladesh is at a sensitive moment. Wrong decisions will stall development, divide society, and undermine democracy. So we need to decide now—to strengthen democracy, we need stable and sustainable governments, not misleading experimental arrangements like the PR approach.

Dr. Mohammad Faiz Uddin MBE, Chairman; New Hope Global, Birmingham, UK.

The author is a human rights organizer, international researcher, writer, and political analyst.