BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticised Jamaat-e-Islami and several other parties for staging demonstrations, saying such programmes create “unnecessary pressure” while dialogue is still ongoing.

“There was no need for this programme. Discussions are still underway. Holding rallies at this stage only puts undue pressure, which is not good for democracy or for making the right decisions,” Fakhrul told reporters on Thursday (September 18) after returning from Singapore following medical treatment.

He questioned whether problems can be solved simply through street movements, adding, “After the fall of the Awami League, we did not take to the streets over any issue. We want resolutions through dialogue. The July Charter will also be implemented through discussions.”

Fakhrul also dismissed the demand for proportional representation (PR), saying, “Bangladesh does not need PR. What matters most is people’s mandate. Only a parliament elected by the people can bring constitutional amendments.”

On the proposal to ban political parties, he said BNP does not support banning any group, including the 14-party alliance or Jatiya Party.

Regarding his inclusion in Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’s delegation to the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, Fakhrul said, “I am not sure yet what my role will be, as I haven’t discussed it with Dr Yunus. But I believe the focus will be on strengthening democracy and highlighting development issues.”

He also rejected the notion that decisions about Bangladesh are made abroad, asserting, “Our decisions must be made here, collectively. Historically, we have taken our own decisions, and we will continue to do so. There is no need for foreign influence.