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Caretaker Government Reborn: Bangladesh Faces New Electoral Challenges

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 18:01 GMT by The Daily Star

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Caretaker Government Reborn: What Challenges Lie Ahead?

In recent years, Bangladesh’s political landscape has been punctuated by intense debates over the caretaker government (CG) system—a neutral, non‑party administration that historically oversaw elections to safeguard fairness and credibility. After the 2008 constitutional amendment abolished the CG, opposition parties and civil society organizations have campaigned for its restoration, arguing that the absence of a neutral caretaker has led to repeated accusations of electoral malpractices. The article “Caretaker Government Reborn: What Challenges Lie Ahead?” from The Daily Star provides a detailed look at the revival of the CG and the formidable hurdles it faces as it prepares to take the reins in the coming election cycle.

Historical Context

The CG system was first instituted in 1990 following a mass uprising that forced then‑Prime Minister Ershad to step down. The new caretaker government was tasked with administering the country from the eve of a general election until the elected parliament was sworn in, thereby preventing the incumbent party from manipulating the electoral process. The CG’s success was credited with producing credible results in the 1991, 1996, and 2001 elections. However, a 2008 constitutional amendment—enacted amid a military-backed caretaker administration that had itself been criticized for partisanship—ended the CG’s formal existence. The move was defended as a step toward a more stable, civilian‑led democracy but left a void that has since been filled with controversies surrounding election integrity.

The Renewed Initiative

The current article charts the renewed push to reinstate the CG, spearheaded by a coalition of opposition parties, prominent lawyers, and civic groups. It points out that the movement gained momentum after the 2024 general elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging and an uneven playing field. While the ruling party, led by the Bangladesh Awami League, insisted that the electoral process was fair, the opposition demanded a neutral oversight body to ensure transparency and restore public confidence.

The article highlights a key development: a newly formed caretaker commission, approved by the parliament, is set to take office in a two‑month transition period. The commission will operate under the guidance of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), an ex‑government official sworn in by the President. Although the CG is technically a constitutional entity, it will function under the authority of the CEC and the Election Commission (EC), both of which have faced criticism for perceived biases.

Challenges Ahead

1. Legitimacy and Public Trust
A chief concern is whether the CG can overcome the legacy of the 2008 abolition and the public’s skepticism about its impartiality. The article cites surveys indicating that only 35 % of respondents trust the CG to conduct a fair election. Building legitimacy will require transparent recruitment, a clear mandate, and a demonstrable record of neutrality.

2. Institutional Capacity
The CG will need to assemble a competent administrative machinery quickly. The article references a report by the Institute of Development Studies, which notes that the current public service structure is over‑burdened and lacks the resources to support a comprehensive electoral framework. This includes establishing a dedicated election budget, hiring staff, and developing logistics for voter registration, polling station set‑up, and vote counting.

3. Coordination with Existing Bodies
Although the CG will supervise the EC, the two bodies must work in close coordination to avoid jurisdictional clashes. The article discusses a past incident during the 2014 election where overlapping mandates led to confusion over poll‑day procedures. Effective liaison mechanisms and clear delineation of responsibilities are imperative.

4. Security Concerns
The CG must ensure the safety of polling officials and voters. The article recounts how the 2018 election saw multiple incidents of intimidation, especially in rural constituencies. The CG will need to collaborate with the police, paramilitary forces, and local volunteers to maintain law and order without over‑relying on heavy security presence, which could be perceived as intimidating.

5. Managing Opposition Dynamics
Opposition parties have already formed a “Joint Opposition Coordination Council” to negotiate electoral reforms. However, internal divisions—particularly over the CG’s composition—could derail consensus. The article indicates that the council’s latest meeting highlighted disagreement over whether former military officers should be permitted to sit on the CG, raising questions about its independence.

6. Resource Allocation
Financial constraints loom large. The article notes that the national budget earmarks only 0.5 % for election-related expenses, a figure that is insufficient for a CG‑led nationwide electoral exercise. The commission will need to secure supplemental funding, perhaps through international donors or a dedicated electoral trust, to cover the cost of voter education, technology, and infrastructure.

Looking Forward

The article concludes by stressing that the caretaker government’s success will largely hinge on its ability to balance constitutional mandates with pragmatic governance. If the CG can navigate the challenges of legitimacy, coordination, capacity building, security, opposition alignment, and funding, it stands a chance to restore faith in Bangladesh’s democratic process. Conversely, failure to address these issues could perpetuate the cycle of electoral distrust and political instability.

As the caretaker commission prepares to take office, observers will be watching closely to see whether it can truly embody the neutrality and competence that once made Bangladesh’s early post‑Ershad elections so credible. The stakes are high: a successful CG could mark a turning point in the country’s democratic trajectory, while a misstep could deepen political fractures that have long plagued Bangladesh’s political arena.