Currently, one of the most discussed topics in Bangladesh is the Proportional Representation (PR)-based parliamentary system. This write-up presents a possible model of how parliamentary representation might look under a PR system, instead of the current electoral framework.

★PR-Based Parliamentary Formation Model in Bangladesh

Let’s assume the total number of seats remains unchanged at 300. The PR election can be conducted in a few simple steps:

🧮 Step 1:

The entire country will be treated as a single nationwide constituency for all 300 seats. That means votes from all over the country will be counted together. Voters will vote for a party, not an individual candidate.

In this system, parties can nominate candidates in two ways:

1. Closed-list PR – where voters only vote for the party, and the party selects MPs based on a pre-submitted list.
2. Open-list PR – where both the party and individual candidate names appear on the ballot.

🧮 Step 2:

Seats are allocated based on the percentage of total votes each party receives.

Suppose 70 million (7 crore) valid votes were cast in total. The results and seat allocation might look like this:

Party Votes Received Vote % Seats Allocated

Party A 29.4 million 42% 126
Party B 25.2 million 36% 108
Party C 5.6 million 8% 24
Party D 3.5 million 5% 15
Party E 2.1 million 3% 9
Others & Independents 4.2 million 6% 18

Thus, all 300 seats are allocated according to the percentage of votes received.

🏛️ Parliamentary Composition:

According to the above seat allocation:

Party A gets 126 MPs

Party B gets 108 MPs

Party C gets 24 MPs

Party D gets 15 MPs

Party E gets 9 MPs

Others & Independents get 18 MPs

Parties will submit pre-election candidate lists (typically with 300 names). Based on the number of seats won, the top candidates from each list will become MPs.

🔢 Majority Calculation:

To form a government, a party or coalition needs a simple majority of ≥151 seats.

Party A has 126 – not enough to govern alone, so it would need coalition partners.

A possible alternative coalition: Party B (108) + Party C (24) + Party D (15) = 147 seats – still needs a few more (e.g., Party E or others) to cross 151.

🧩 Final Outcome:

Based on this model, a coalition government would be essential. This would foster a more consensual and negotiated policy environment.

✅ Possible Benefits of PR System in Bangladesh:

1. All parties will be represented in Parliament if they get votes – no vote is "wasted".
2. Increased representation for women and minorities.
3. Easier to reserve quotas (e.g., for women, ethnic groups) within party lists.
4. Prevents artificial landslide wins – no party will dominate with 2/3rd majority without real voter mandate.
5. Encourages pluralism – reduces authoritarian tendencies by requiring dialogue and coalition building. Challenges & Concerns:
6. No local representation – areas like Banshkhali or Panchagarh won’t have a dedicated MP.
7. Increased party control – parties decide who gets in from the list.
8. Coalition instability – decision-making may be slower or more fragmented.

🧭 Alternative: District-wise PR Elections

PR elections can also be organized by district, allowing each district to have its own share of MPs based on vote percentages.

🔄 Mixed (Hybrid) Model Proposal:

A Mixed Member Electoral System could be introduced, combining both methods:

FPTP (Current System) = 150 seats
PR (Vote-based) = 150 seats
Total = 300 seats
This ensures local representation as well as vote-value fairness.

💬 Final Thoughts:

If the PR system were adopted in Bangladesh, it would transform the electoral landscape.

1. Break the monopoly of dominant parties.
2. Restore constitutional balance.
3. Create more space for coexistence and dialogue in politics.