Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the country's decisions must be made by its people as there is no need for external interference or a proportional representation (PR) system.

“We must take initiatives to solve the country's problems ourselves. Politicians must take such decisions with concerted efforts of all. There is no need for external decisions,” he told reporters at the airport after returning from Singapore on Thursday, following his wife’s medical treatment.

Mirza Fakhrul said holding street programs without discussion is creating unnecessary pressure, which is not good for democracy, adding that it is uncertain whether problems can be solved on the streets.

“BNP is the biggest political party, there is no doubt about it. BNP has not come to the streets on any issue since August 5. We want to solve all the problems through discussions,” he said.

On proportional representation, Fakhrul reiterated: “BNP is not in favour of PR. There is no need for proportional representation system in Bangladesh.”

He said discussions on the July Charter are ongoing, and BNP has agreed on many issues that can be brought forward. “But one thing is clear: whatever is done, the people's support is very necessary. Parliament is formed through elections with the people's support, and parliament can change the constitution and make amendments.”

In response to another question, Fakhrul said: “We have said before, BNP is not in favour of banning any political party.”

MN/