– Constitution supports government continuity during elections
– Discussion underway for potential inclusion of various party leaders in the cabinet
Emran Hossain Shaikh, Dhaka: While the constitution does not require an electoral government, the ruling administration aims to restructure its cabinet during the election period to create an atmosphere focused on the polls. The goal is to form a government with representation from parliamentary parties.
Currently, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the government contemplates emulating the all-party government model from 2013, sources close to the government have revealed.
In the 2018 national elections, all registered political parties in the country, including the BNP and its allies, participated in the elections under the government led by Sheikh Hasina. As a result, there was little need for substantial alterations in the government’s structure.
However, a considerable segment of the country’s political parties, including the BNP, boycotted the 2014 elections, leading to the formation of an all-party government with nearly all parliamentary parties.
A similar all-party government akin to 2013 is now under consideration due to the apprehension of a substantial boycott of the impending 12th parliamentary elections.
There is a possibility that this government will materialize even before the schedule’s announcement, though Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader suggests that a decision will follow after the announcement of the election schedule.
However, a quarter argues that whether there is a cabinet reshuffle or an inclusion of non-government party members in the cabinet, it is not going to entail changes in the government system.
The addition of representatives from other parties would signify a continuity of the existing government.
”What constitution says”
Since the constitution lacks provisions for an election-time or interim government, any alterations in the government during the election period would still have the regular government function.
It is constitutionally mandated for the government to provide full assistance to the Election Commission throughout the election process, and this obligation remains unaffected by any changes in the government structure.
As per constitutional provisions, the next parliamentary elections will take place with the current government in power. Even if the parliament is dissolved before the elections, it would not disrupt the government’s continuity.
Article 57(3) of the Constitution explicitly states: “Nothing in this Article shall disqualify the prime minister from continuing in office until the successor of the prime minister assumes office.”
”Discussion on all-party govt”
According to sources, discussions have already commenced regarding the formation of an all-party government during the election.
Leaders from various partner parties, represented in parliament, have been informally approached by top-level government officials for potential inclusion in the cabinet.
According to sources at the Parliament Secretariat, apart from the ruling Awami League, parliament currently comprises lawmakers from the Jatiya Party (the primary opposition party in parliament), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Workers Party, Jatiya Party (JaPa), Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Bilakpa Dhara Bangladesh, and Gono Forum.
Among these parties, the Jatiya Party displays some division about the election. While the opposition leader, Raushan Ershad, has announced participation in the parliamentary elections, many within the party, including party Chairman GM Quader, remain undecided.
Some of the members assert they are not going to become stepping stones for others to gain power.
”What happened in 2013, 2018”
A retrospective analysis of the government’s status during the election periods of 2013 and 2018 reveals substantial transformations during the 2013 elections.
A few days prior to the announcement of the election schedule, on November 11, 2013, all cabinet members tendered their resignations at the Prime Minister’s behest.
On November 18, six new cabinet ministers and two state ministers took the oath of office.
Among the new ministers, two hailed from the Awami League, one from the Workers Party, and three from the Jatiya Party.
Both state ministers were from the Jatiya Party. At the time, of the earlier 51-member cabinet, 16 ministers and 14 state ministers, including three technocrat quota ministers, accepted their resignations while the rest retained their positions.
Consequently, there were 29 cabinet members during the elections, including the newly sworn in ministers. Concurrently, there were adjustments in the role of advisers to the Prime Minister, with five of the seven advisers resigning.
Additionally, Barrister Shafique Ahmed, a technocrat minister, Dilip Barua from the Communist Party, Anwar Hossain Manju, chairman of the Jatiya Party, and Ziauddin Ahmed from Jatiya Party, were appointed as advisers.
In contrast, during the 2018 elections, there were minor changes, mainly limited to technocrat quota ministers Matiur Rahman, Nurul Islam BSc, Yafes Osman, and Mustafa Jabbar resigning as per the prime minister’s instructions.
”What govt plans now”
At present, the government contemplates significant cabinet changes, akin to the 2013 elections, given the altered circumstances.
In this scenario, several current cabinet members, including technocrat quota minister Yafes Osman, Mustafa Jabbar, and State Minister Shamsul Alam, may submit their resignations.
Additionally, several members of the ruling and coalition parties’ parliamentary ranks may join the cabinet.
Consequently, the cabinet size is expected to be smaller than its present configuration. This transformation may transpire shortly before the schedule’s announcement.
During the 2013 and 2018 elections, the government underwent restructuring before the parliamentary election schedules were disclosed.
”What is Awami League thinking?”
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader suggests that decisions concerning the government during the election period will follow the schedule’s unveiling.
He asserted that the government structure during the election remains consistent with previous elections. The prerogative for adjusting the cabinet’s length or status lies with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and it is not a matter for discussion at present.
Subsequent to the schedule’s announcement, the Election Commission will assume substantial authority.
Quader highlighted the fact that once this occurs, the government will be restricted from inaugurating new projects or undertaking significant endeavors. Their activities will be limited to routine operations.
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud, who is also the joint general secretary of the Awami League, emphasized that the decision regarding the cabinet during the election period, whether to maintain its full composition or opt for adjustments, is exclusively within the prime minister’s jurisdiction.
Throughout the election, the existing government will fulfill its responsibilities. The terminology of an election government or suggestions regarding its formation are not in alignment with the constitution. The constitution does not mandate the establishment of an electoral government.
”Other parties’ position”
MP Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizbhandary, chairman of the Tarikat Federation, said that being part of the government coalition presents no reason to reject proposals from the government during the election period.
He mentioned that the current situation, marked by domestic and foreign conspiracies, needs an election-related government formed by unifying the forces adhering to the spirit of the liberation war represented in parliament.
He said that his party would accept any invitation to participate in such a government.
Jasad General Secretary Shirin Akhtar reaffirmed that the matter of Cabinet inclusion squarely rests with the prime minister. The decision will align with her preferences, and no discussions have occurred within the party on this matter. Any proposal will be carefully considered before a verdict is reached.
The incumbent 11th parliament’s tenure will culminate on January 29 next year, marking the completion of five years in office.
In accordance with constitutional provisions, the twelfth national parliament must be elected within 90 days preceding the conclusion of the current parliament’s term.
This 90-day countdown will commence on November 1. The Election Commission has given a signal that it might unveil the polling date in the first week of January 2024, with the full schedule expected to be announced in the second week of November.
