Speaking at a roundtable title “Elections under the PR System and the Legal Basis of the July Charter”—organized by the Bangladesh Ideal Teacher Foundation at the National Press Club’s Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall—Taher placed primary blame on political leaders and parties for undermining electoral credibility.

“The failure of the traditional electoral system is now clear. And the main responsibility lies with the political leaders and parties that have never conducted fair elections. That is why the PR system has become a necessity,” he said.

Taher argued that continuing with the current system risks a return to authoritarian rule.

“Under the old system, we’ve seen parties claim 99% of votes during referendums—an absurdity in any genuine democratic process. If elections are held again under this same framework, the same forces will capture power. We are already seeing signs of that on the ground. The only viable solution is the PR system.”

“Seventy-one percent of the people have already expressed support for PR. So, to say ‘we don’t understand PR’ is misleading. Everyone understands it. The real question is not whether we understand, but whether we are willing to accept reform.”

He warned of a deep national divide, saying, “The country is now split into two camps: one minority insists on holding elections without reforms. Given their history, people have every right to question their intentions.”

Taher issued a strong condemnation of any attempt to hold elections without structural changes.

“Our position is clear: reforms must come first. Elections without reform are nothing but a continuation of the Awami League era—a return to fascism. A Bangladesh without reform is a Bangladesh slipping back into the darkness of its past.”

He contrasted this with the ideals of the July movement, which he described as a call for a new, inclusive, anti-fascist, and democratic Bangladesh.
“Elections without reform are a conspiracy against that spirit and against fair democracy. We will not allow this conspiracy to succeed.”

Taher concluded with a rallying call stating, “Reforms will be implemented, and elections will be held on that basis—God willing. I urge the people to stand strong and play an active role in ensuring this happens.”
The event was chaired by Professor M. Korban Ali, President of the Bangladesh Ideal Teacher Foundation.
Among others, Professor Dr. Abdul Latif Masum, former Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University and Professor ABM Fazlul Karim, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Ideal Teachers Federation, were present on the occasion.

The discussion focused on the constitutional and legal foundations of the proposed PR system, particularly in relation to the principles enshrined in the July Charter.