BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmad has remarked that taking to the streets over proportional representation (PR) while keeping the option of dialogue open reflects a contradiction. He noted that PR was never on the official agenda of the commission, yet acknowledged that every political group has the right to raise demands. According to him, the BNP too will continue voicing its position in public, but real progress on PR can only be achieved through discussions, not through street movements.

He made these remarks on Wednesday after attending a meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

Ahmad explained that the day’s meeting presented insights from the panel of experts, some of whom had questioned the constitutional legitimacy of the current government. Responding to such questions, he emphasized that the government had been formed in accordance with the constitution and with the opinion of the Supreme Court.

He further stated that matters of the charter mentioned in the declaration could be reviewed in consultation with the judiciary before implementation. While acknowledging that constitutional orders could be challenged at any time, Ahmad cautioned that setting a negative precedent before the nation would not be in its best interest.

Commenting on the idea of holding a referendum on the day of the parliamentary election, the BNP leader said such a proposal might be considered if there was broad consensus. However, he argued that elected representatives already take an oath to uphold commitments to the people and the declaration itself. According to him, some key reform-oriented issues may indeed require parliamentary referendums for implementation, but holding two referendums on the same matter would not be logical. These matters, Ahmad stressed, must be settled at the negotiation table.

He warned that if the election process were to become uncertain or obstructed, it could pave the way for the rise of authoritarian and unconstitutional forces.

Expressing optimism, Ahmad said he believed that dialogue could provide a peaceful resolution to the political crisis. He added that after the formation of parliament, necessary referendums for implementing fundamental reforms could still be considered as part of the democratic process.