Former EU Commissioner and former Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion Dr. Ján Figeľ called on the European Union (EU) not to support the demand to reinstate the caretaker government system in Bangladesh.
Recalling the caretaker government of 1/11, which was supported by the army, he stated that no other country in the world has a caretaker government. In Bangladesh, the Supreme Court has ruled that such a system is unconstitutional.
The former EU official offered this advice to the EU in an article published in an online newspaper based in Brussels called ‘EUObserver.com’. The news media published that article on July 11. Ian is a former Slovakian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and leader of the country’s political party, the Christian Democratic Movement.
According to the article, the previous caretaker government in Bangladesh was supported by the army and remained in power for two consecutive years, suspending the elections. During that time, political activists were arbitrarily arrested.
In his article, Ján Figeľ mentions that BNP leader Khaleda Zia and her son Tariq Rahman were disqualified from contesting elections due to their convictions in a case brought by the military-backed caretaker government of 2006-2008. At that time, the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also imprisoned.
Ján Figeľ states that general elections will be held in January 2024 in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s main opposition party, Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami both demand the next elections be held under a caretaker government, at the threat of boycott. However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected these demands for three consecutive terms, stating that she will not relinquish power to an unelected government.
Figeľ also provides an example of recent elections in Bangladesh. He notes that the Gazipur City Corporation election took place last June. Although the BNP did not participate in this election, it was peaceful, and no untoward incidents occurred. An independent candidate was elected as the mayor after defeating the candidate of the ruling party.
Citing Myanmar and Thailand
Citing examples of junta governments in Thailand and Myanmar, the former EU commissioner writes that the behaviour of the military-backed caretaker government in Bangladesh at that time was similar to that of a junta government. They attempted to remove popular politicians from the political landscape, thereby preventing their participation in future elections.
He criticized EU saying, “Almost nine years ago, newly-appointed EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was being lauded for leading the world in standing up to the junta who usurped power away from the elected government in Thailand four months prior. Alongside the accolades came a foreboding warning: once the military has its grip on power, it will not easily let it go. Specifically, it was suggested that the military will rewrite the constitution in such a way that its own grip on power will be built into the system in perpetuity. As expected, Thailand’s new constitution was promulgated in 2017, cementing the military’s powers. Much delayed elections were finally held in 2019, seeing the junta leader shed his uniform for a suit and tie to transition into Thailand’s new ‘civilian’ PM.”
He continued with his criticism stating, “Unfortunately, in the nine years which have transpired, the EU and much of the Western world have dropped sanctions and abandoned principle, returning to full cooperation with Thailand’s undemocratic government, choosing to take part in the charade rather than stand up for democracy.”
It is important to note that, Pita Limjaroenrat who won Thailand’s election by a landslide has failed to win enough votes in parliament to become prime minister as he could not win over enough unelected senators, all 249 of whom were appointed by a previous military government.
Calls EU not to support caretaker system
The former commissioner of the organization called on the EU not to support the demands of the opposition parties in Bangladesh for a caretaker government. He stated, “There is no caretaker government anywhere in the world.” He also argued that in 2011, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the caretaker government system unconstitutional.
He continued with the opinion that previously, a caretaker government was necessary as the Election Commission of Bangladesh faced difficulties in conducting independent elections. However, due to a new law passed in 2022, the Election Commission can now conduct elections independently. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her commitment to holding free, fair, and impartial elections and has invited international observers to monitor the process.
Link of the original article: https://euobserver.com/opinion/157248
Who Is Dr. Ján Figeľ?
Dr. Ján Figeľ, who formerly served as the European Commissioner for Education, Training & Culture, has an impressive background in various roles. In May 2016, he was nominated by the European Commission as the first Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) outside the European Union. Prior to that, he held positions such as State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator for Slovakia’s accession into the EU.
Dr. Figeľ began his political career in 1990 when he joined the Christian Democratic Movement party. In 1992, he was elected as a Member of Parliament to the National Council of the Slovak Republic. During his time there, he served on the Foreign Affairs Committee and became a member of Slovakia’s delegation to the Council of Europe.
In 1998, Dr. Figeľ was appointed as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represented the Slovak government in the European Convention, which played a role in drafting the European Constitution. From 2004 to 2009, he served as the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture, and Multilingualism. He briefly held the position of Commissioner for Enterprise and Information Society during that time as well.
In 2009, Dr. Figeľ was elected as the leader of the Christian Democratic Movement in Slovakia, leading to his resignation from his Commission post. His extensive experience and leadership roles demonstrate his dedication to public service and promoting important causes like freedom of religion or belief.
