Mohammad A. Arafat clarifies Awami League’s position on caretaker government

❐ Special Correspondent

Bangladesh Awami League Central Executive Member Mohammad A. Arafat has clarified his and the Awami League’s position on the caretaker government.

In a recent speech, he said, “A few months ago, I wanted elections under a caretaker government. Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also raised the same demand. The question arises – we were against the caretaker system, so why are we asking for it now?”

In response to his own question, he said – in principle, the Awami League is still opposed to the caretaker government, because it is against the constitution and the basic principles of democracy.

“If the country had an elected and legitimate government, there would be no need for a caretaker,” he added.

However, regarding the current situation, he said, “Today, the reality is different. Currently, an unelected, apolitical and illegal government has seized power in the country. No fair election is possible under this government. Therefore, to return power to the people, the occupying government must be immediately dismissed and free and inclusive elections must be organized under a non-partisan, impartial caretaker government.”

Ali Arafat further clarified, “A caretaker government is never an alternative to an elected political government. However, a caretaker government is now the only way as an alternative to Yunus’ illegal government.”