BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has stated that public relations (PR) efforts cannot serve as an effective measure to strengthen democracy. Speaking at a conference in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, on Friday, he noted that with the national election drawing closer, a growing number of groups have begun campaigns and programs centered around PR, but he argued such initiatives would not bring about genuine democratic progress.

According to Dr. Zahid, citizens may naturally demand PR activities as part of exercising democratic rights. However, he emphasized that insisting such efforts must take place as if they are obligatory reflects an undemocratic mindset. “A mentality that seeks to impose certain measures on the people can never be democratic,” he remarked.

He further warned that when calls for PR are made in the name of the people, despite lacking true public demand, it risks paving the way for authoritarian practices. He alleged that such activities are also being used to delay elections and undermine the democratic process. “Even if the public is not interested, demands are being raised on their behalf to create an opening for autocratic rule, while attempts are underway to push back the election schedule,” he said.

Dr. Zahid also addressed the issue of political actors using the rhetoric of people’s demands to advance their own agendas. He argued that this approach would not succeed in the long run. “When a party’s agenda is forced onto the public under the guise of popular demand, it will not be accepted. The ordinary citizens of the country will ultimately resist it,” he added.

The BNP leader reiterated that the strength of democracy lies in respecting genuine public opinion rather than manipulating it for political gain. He said that efforts to impose demands without people’s consent contradict the principles of democracy and erode public trust in the political process.

His comments come at a time of heightened political activity in Bangladesh, with the election season approaching and multiple stakeholders pushing their narratives regarding democratic reforms, participation, and accountability. Dr. Zahid stressed that the path to a stronger democratic system cannot be built on artificial campaigns or top-down agendas. Instead, it requires sincere engagement with the electorate and acknowledgment of their authentic voices.

He concluded by calling for all political forces to focus on ensuring fair, transparent, and timely elections rather than seeking shortcuts through PR activities. He argued that delaying elections or manipulating public sentiment could weaken the very foundation of democracy. In his view, democracy will only be safeguarded when the people themselves—not imposed campaigns or external pressures—determine its course.