Dr. Kazi S. M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi
The writer is Associate Professor and ex-Chair, Department of Public Administration, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: Bangladesh, dictatorship, democracy, AL, BNP, electoral system, caretaker system
Abstract
The Caretaker System, which was implemented in Bangladesh, was later repealed, posing challenges to the country’s democracy as the 10th general elections approached. Despite some stability in the electoral system under caretaker government during the four general elections held, little qualitative change occurred in the country’s political arena. The Awami League held the tenth general elections on its own. However, doubts about its very essence and legacy will linger. Bangladesh is a typical example of a regime facing credibility and legitimacy issues as a result of allegations of rigged elections, the use of violence and force to win elections, and delays in holding elections at predetermined intervals, among other things. The pertinent question was: whether the system itself was so deficient that it failed or it were machinations of the worst forms, as alleged, that rendered it ineffective? Painfully enough, despite rhetorical commitment and prolonged struggles to establish democracy, political parties of Bangladesh have miserably failed to establish consensual ground rules for democratic competition and dissent.
First Published
June 25, 2014
How to Cite
Dr. Kazi S. M. Khasrul Alam Quddusi, “Bangladesh Elections: Under Caretakers and Beyond,” Regional Studies 32, no.3 (Summer 2014): 109-133, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/bangladesh-elections-under-caretakers-and-beyond/
Issue
Volume 32, Issue 3