Caretaker Govt to Oversee Next National Election

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman spoke at a press briefing held at the ministry. Photo: BSS

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Thursday said the next parliamentary election will be held under a non-party caretaker government following the Supreme Court's verdict restoring the constitutional provisions for the caretaker government system and referendum.

Speaking at a press briefing at the ministry after the Appellate Division's judgment, the minister said the development reflects the government's political, electoral and national commitment.

He also described the restoration of the caretaker government system as the outcome of the BNP's long campaign demanding the reinstatement of the constitutional mechanism.

Expressing confidence, Asaduzzaman said the next general election would be conducted under a caretaker government, enabling voters to exercise their democratic rights in a free, fair and credible electoral environment.

Referring to the Constitution's 15th Amendment, the minister said it had abolished the caretaker government system, which he maintained was inconsistent with the Constitution. He noted that the High Court had declared several provisions of the amendment unconstitutional and that the Appellate Division had now upheld the verdict, making the judgment final.

The minister said the government would formulate the final structure of the caretaker government through a process of public consultation and referendum in line with the court's directives.

He announced that a high-level committee would soon be formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the judgment and recommend the constitutional amendments necessary for its implementation.

According to the minister, the committee will examine all 54 issues identified in the verdict, with the July Charter serving as a key guiding document in the reform process.

He said the government would undertake all necessary constitutional amendments, additions and revisions to strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, ensure good governance, and safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty.

Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court dismissed three separate appeals and upheld the High Court's verdict declaring key provisions of the Constitution's 15th Amendment unconstitutional, thereby restoring the constitutional provisions relating to a non-party caretaker government and referendum.