Why need 'babysitter' governments?
It is clear that a caretaker government must be installed this year to ensure the participation of all parties in the national election. Unfortunately, a CTG does not advance Bangladesh towards the long-term goal of a system where one elected government directly transfers power responsibly to the next.
Accountable elected representatives are preferable to unelected caretakers as CTG is not immune to partisanship or corruption. Past support by the AL and BNP has varied based on political convenience, not on the principle of fairness or the good of the country as they claim. Retaining the CTG system removes opportunities for progress as attention is distracted by setting up short-term neutral governments.
Adopt the CTG to get through the current crisis, but part of the agreement needs to be that this will be the last time. No more “babysitter” governments as an excuse for all parties to not improve their behaviour.
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