Nagorik Oikko president Mahmudur Rahman Manna has warned that a PR-based election could enable the Awami League’s return to power through the Jatiya Party (JaPa).

Speaking at a shadow parliament event at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) on Saturday, he expressed skepticism over holding a proportional representation (PR) election under the current circumstances. “The National Party is no longer the tail of the Awami League—it is the head,” he said.

Presided over by Debate for Democracy chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, the session focused on the potential impact of student union elections on the upcoming national polls. Manna noted that while student elections may have some influence, their results will not decisively alter the national election outcome.

He emphasized that, despite uncertainties surrounding February’s polls, the elections will proceed. “Symbols are vital but not dominating,” he said, highlighting that political developments in the next five months could be unpredictable.

Manna also mentioned progress on consensus regarding the July charter and expressed hope that smaller parties would consolidate ahead of the national election, describing this as a positive development. However, he cautioned against including unregistered party members in delegation visits to the UN Assembly.

In his remarks, Hasan Ahmed said most leaders of the fallen Awami League are accused of genocide and currently barred from participation, urging responsible political behavior to ensure a high voter turnout similar to student union elections like DUCSU and JAKSU.

The shadow parliament debate, titled “Student Union Election Results Will Not Affect Upcoming National Polls,” saw debaters from State University of Bangladesh outperforming Daffodil International University. Judges included Prof. Abu Muhammad Rais, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, journalists Saidur Rahman and Maidur Rahman Rubel, and Zakir Hossain Liton.