Debate on caretaker government

By Molla Mohammad Shaheen Dept of English, DU
26 March 2005, 18:00 PM
Recently Awami League(AL), the main opposition party of Bangladesh put up a proposal to reform the existing caretaker government system of our country. This interim government system was introduced in our country through the 13th amendment of the Constitution.

Actually, AL at that time was very much desperate and aggressive for a caretaker system in our country. They took to the streets and almost forced BNP to pass a bill to introduce caretaker government system so that election is held fairly and freely. Since the caretaker system has derived from the skepticism of the political parties, they may debate on this issue when they are cynical. But they should not forget that it is an innovative interim government system under which we can expect a free, fair and impartial national election. Alarmingly, AL became very disheartened at their election debacle in 2001. They questioned the neutrality of this system. They tarnished the image of this body.

They should not make this system controversial. They should come forward to reform the electoral system. For this the parties should pressurize the government to take steps to reform the Election Commission. The commission should be given more freedom to conduct a fair election that is acceptable to all.