BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that any disruption to the 13th parliamentary elections would benefit “corrupt autocracy and unconstitutional forces.”

Speaking after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission held at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, he said proportional representation (PR) cannot be secured on the streets and must be discussed at the negotiation table. “Taking to the streets while avoiding the discussion table is self-contradictory,” he added.

Salahuddin stressed that the government was formed according to the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s guidance. On proposals for a public referendum, he said fundamental reforms may require one, but duplicate referendums are unnecessary and such matters should be resolved through dialogue.

He urged that elections proceed smoothly to prevent undemocratic forces from gaining and expressed hope that necessary reforms could be considered after the parliament is formed.