Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, better known as the Charmonai Pir, claimed that a majority of political parties in Bangladesh now back a proportional representation system for elections.
Speaking at a gathering organized by the National Olama Mashayekh Aimma Council in Sylhet, Rezaul Karim argued that the PR model could offer both political stability and inclusive parliamentary representation.
“Through PR, seats are allocated based on vote share,” he said. “No single party can dominate unilaterally. Smaller parties find a voice in parliament, which encourages dialogue, compromise, and shared decision-making.”
His comments follow rising debates among religious and political leaders over electoral reforms. The event was held Tuesday at the Central Muslim Literary Society in Sylhet city.
Karim framed the proposal as a step toward collective governance and away from authoritarian tendencies. “This approach weakens the monopoly of major parties and empowers smaller ones,” he said. “It’s time to recognize political diversity and strengthen accountability in the lawmaking process.”
He added that such a system would help decentralize power. “We must move toward a model that values cooperation and transparency, not just dominance,” he said, calling PR the “most effective” path forward.
Shifting from electoral reform to broader social concerns, Karim also expressed concern about disunity in the Muslim world, including in Bangladesh.
“Muslims today are directionless due to internal division,” he said. “Here, too, attempts are being made to marginalize Islam and those who follow it.”
He stressed the importance of Islamic scholars in resisting growing pressures. “If religious leaders unite, oppressive forces won’t be able to hold their ground,” he said. “We must not let minor disagreements create fragmentation. Without unity, the Muslim community will not rise.”
The event was presided over by Sylhet district president of the National Olama Mashayekh Aimma Council, Maulana Redwanul Haque Chowdhury Razu.
Several other speakers echoed Karim’s views. They included Pir Shaheb of Baraigram, Sheikh Maulana Nurul Islam; Council general secretary Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar; Sheikhul Hadith of Jamia Golmukapon Madrasa, Maulana Ruhul Amin; Sylhet divisional secretary Mufti Mainuddin Khan Tanvir; and other regional religious leaders.
Leaders from Islamic Andolan Bangladesh and Khilafat Majlis also joined, including Mufti Said Ahmad and Dr. Riazul Islam Riaz.
The conversation touched on faith, politics, and society—reflecting rising calls for reform. It’s not yet clear if PR will enter official policy, but with religious leaders backing it, the idea is gaining ground.
