Akbar Ali Khan, Advisor to a former caretaker government, sees no
emerging resolution to end the current standoff between Bangladesh’s
two major political parties over the next general election.
Akbar finds the parties engaged in a war of words that shows no
indication leading to a meaningful dialogue to break the deadlock.
“We are fighting with our own shadows,” Khan employed an allegory to
express his frustration over the situation.
He was speaking at a roundtable on Friday organised by the Election
Working Group to exchange views on the recent amendments to the
Representation of People Order.
The former Secretary was a caretaker government advisor in 2006 when a
similar standoff between the major political parties had rendered the
fate of general election uncertain.
The constitutional provision for the caretaker government system was
revoked under the present government, in line with a Spreme Court
order, through the 15th constitutional amendment.
The amendment has made it possible, for the first time in Bangladesh,
for a party to be in government at the time of national elections.
The BNP has been opposing the amendment, calling for reinstatement of
the non-party caretaker government system to run the country during
the election period. It does not believe a fair and free election is
possible under a party-led regime.
“The government says there is no need for a caretaker government and
advocates the strengthening of the Election Commission instead. On the
other hand, the opposition says the caretaker government system has to
be restored,” said Khan, reflecting on the political situation at the
roundtable held at the CIRDAP auditorium.
“In any case, neither party has initiated any effort either for
strengthening the Election Commission or creating a government that is
accepted by all. None of the parties has any specific proposal.”
As the situation continued to worsen, the Election Commission assured
BNP of a level-playing field during the election by amending the RPO.
But the BNP doubts the possibility of that being possible with the
Awami League in state power.
“The RPO amendment is not a big deal. The main issue is having a
credible polls-time government. All others are minor issues.”
Khan recommended the formation of a search committee six months ahead
of the election for appointing election officials—such as Returning
Officers and Assistant Returning Officers.
“The search committee will comprise high-ranking government officials
who will make the appointments from a list of potential candidates.”
He suggested the government followed his advice even if it did not
have the six months in hand to do the job.
The former top bureaucrat said it would be unconstitutional if all the
ministries were kept under the authority of the Election Commission
during the polls.
“The cabinet is responsible for the ministries. This duty cannot be
passed on to EC.”-bdnews24.com
