Attorney General: Restoring the Caretaker System Puts Nation Back on Democratic Track

At a briefing in his Supreme Court office on Thursday, Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman said the restoration of the caretaker government system will steer the country back onto the “highway of democracy.” He argued that elections held after the system was abolished had, in effect, “buried” the nation’s democratic process.

His remarks came shortly after the Appellate Division overturned its 14-year-old verdict that had nullified the 13th Amendment. The court granted appeals against that earlier ruling and disposed of all related review petitions. With the verdict, provisions related to the non-partisan caretaker government have been revived and will be applicable in future—specifically within 15 days after the dissolution of the next Parliament.

Responding to questions about political bias in the judiciary, the Attorney General dismissed the notion, saying the nation will judge which rulings protect democracy, voting rights, the rule of law, and constitutional institutions.

He noted that the caretaker system, introduced through the 13th Amendment in 1996, has again been recognized as compatible with the Constitution. He expects the full judgment to describe the system as a supportive mechanism for safeguarding democracy.

Asked whether the framework outlined in the July Charter could change, he said Parliament may discuss it. If, years later, citizens believe the model is outdated and a better mechanism is needed, parliamentary debate would naturally follow.

He also reiterated why he previously described the old verdict as flawed and “stained,” saying it was struck down partly because the then–Chief Justice and colleagues had violated legal provisions in writing it.

The Attorney General said he does not anticipate further public commentary on the ruling, as the priority should now be the protection of democracy.