As Bangladesh braces for the announcement of an interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation after 15 years in power, the experiences of the 2007 caretaker government offer critical lessons and cautionary tales. We explore the successes and failures of the 2007-2009 caretaker government and examine what these past experiences can mean for the new interim administration as it prepares to navigate a highly volatile political landscape.
The Background
The term "1/11" refers to the military-backed intervention on January 11, 2007, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Bangladesh. This intervention was a response to escalating political violence and deadlock between the two main political parties: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia and the Awami League (AL) led by Sheikh Hasina. The political turmoil was exacerbated by allegations of corruption, voter manipulation, and ineffective governance, which eroded public trust and threatened the country’s stability.
In the book Bangladesh: A Political History since Independence by Ali Riaz, pages 101 to 104 delve into this tumultuous period, highlighting the political unrest that characterized Bangladesh during the late 2000s.
Violence was on the rise, and the president was perceived as acting on behalf of the previous regime, which led to significant opposition.
On January 11, 2007, the international community, including the United Nations, exerted pressure on President Iajuddin Ahmed and the Caretaker Government (CTG) to withdraw from the planned controversial elections on January 22.
General Moeen U Ahmed, the then Chief of Army Staff, emerged as a central figure during this crisis. His actions and strategic decisions were instrumental in shaping the events of 1/11 and its aftermath. General Moeen's involvement was characterized by a series of calculated moves that aimed to stabilize the political situation and prevent the BNP, perceived as increasingly linked with Islamist extremists, from consolidating power.
Moeen's maneuvering included securing support from both national and international actors. His interactions with key figures, such as Indian intelligence and Western diplomats, underscored his strategic acumen in leveraging external support to legitimize the intervention. This international backing was crucial, as it provided the necessary diplomatic cover for the military’s actions.
The involvement of international actors played a significant role in the 1/11 crisis. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and India viewed the military intervention as a necessary step to prevent further political instability and potential radicalization.
This perspective was particularly prevalent among Indian officials, who were concerned about the BNP's alleged links with Islamist groups and the implications for regional security.
General Moeen's visit to New Delhi and subsequent meetings with Indian officials highlighted the importance of regional geopolitics in the crisis. Indian support was seen as a crucial element in Moeen’s strategy to manage the political transition and maintain stability. Additionally, the UN’s endorsement of the emergency measures added an extra layer of legitimacy to the intervention.
International bodies such as the UN, EU, and Commonwealth suspended their election observation missions, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the electoral process. UN officials warned that deploying armed forces to support the election could impact Bangladesh’s role in UN Peacekeeping Operations. These pressures led to the declaration of a state of emergency, the resignation of Iajuddin Ahmed, and the installation of a military-backed technocratic interim government led by the former central bank chief.
The 1/11 Intervention: Execution and Immediate Aftermath
On January 11, 2007, the military intervened, declaring a state of emergency and suspending civil liberties. The caretaker government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed was installed, with the backing of the military. This move effectively sidelined the BNP and AL, aiming to cleanse the political system of corruption and restore order.
The intervention led to widespread arrests of political leaders, activists, and businessmen accused of corruption. Both Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina faced legal challenges and were temporarily detained.
The aim was to implement a "minus two" formula, which sought to remove both leaders from the political arena, thereby paving the way for a new generation of leadership. However, this plan encountered significant resistance and was only partially successful.
Despite initial successes, the military-backed government faced challenges in sustaining its legitimacy and achieving its political objectives. The complexities of Bangladesh's political landscape necessitated strategic compromises. One such compromise involved striking a deal with Sheikh Hasina, facilitated by Indian intelligence. This deal ultimately led to the Awami League's electoral victory in the 2008 elections, marking the return of Sheikh Hasina to power.
Successes of the Caretaker Government
One of the immediate successes of the caretaker government was the restoration of law and order. The declaration of a state of emergency and the subsequent deployment of military forces curbed street violence and brought relative peace to the nation.
Additionally, the caretaker government launched an ambitious anti-corruption campaign, resulting in the arrest of numerous high-profile politicians, business leaders, and bureaucrats.
This crackdown on corruption was initially hailed as a much-needed cleansing of Bangladesh's political landscape. According to an article by The Daily Star in 2008, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), once a toothless body, became a symbol of hope under the leadership of Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury. Despite some mistakes, the ACC's efforts to deal with corrupt and powerful figures brought a new dimension to societal life, instilling fear among those whose reputations were not above board.
The interim administration also implemented several judicial and electoral reforms. The Election Commission was restructured to ensure its independence and credibility, and efforts were made to update the voter list to prevent electoral fraud. These measures were crucial in laying the groundwork for a more transparent electoral process.
The Election Commission, which had been seen as a cabal under previous leadership, began to focus on the goal of leading the country into a foolproof general election.
Despite accusations of slowness and lethargy, the new team at the Election Commission remained committed to ensuring credible elections. Under Fakhruddin Ahmed's leadership, the caretaker government managed to stabilize the economy, which had been severely affected by political turmoil. Measures were taken to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and attract foreign investment.
Finally, in December 2008, the caretaker government successfully conducted parliamentary elections, which were widely regarded as free and fair. The Awami League won a landslide victory, paving the way for Sheikh Hasina's return to power.
Failings of the Caretaker Government
However, the caretaker government's reliance on the military and the declaration of a state of emergency led to significant human rights abuses.
Arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, and reports of torture marred its tenure. Civil liberties were severely restricted, and media freedom was curtailed.
While the caretaker government was supposed to be a neutral body focused on organizing elections, it often overstepped its mandate. The extensive anti-corruption drive, though initially popular, soon faced criticism for being politically motivated and disproportionately targeting certain political figures.
The interim nature of the caretaker government meant that many of its reforms were short-term and lacked a sustainable, long-term vision. While it succeeded in stabilizing the country temporarily, it did not address the underlying issues of political polarization and systemic corruption.
Despite some economic successes, the caretaker government's tenure also saw disruptions in business activities due to the state of emergency and the anti-corruption drive. Many businesses faced uncertainty, and investment slowed down due to the political instability. The Daily Star article highlighted additional issues that the caretaker government struggled with, such as the rising price of essential commodities and the controversial closure of several jute mills, which were described as gangrene on the economy. The government's handling of the university protests also left a scar on its record.
The aftermath of the 1/11 intervention saw significant changes in Bangladesh's political and governance landscape. While the intervention succeeded in temporarily stabilizing the political situation and curbing the influence of corrupt leaders, it also highlighted the limitations and challenges of military involvement in politics. The era of democratic deficit in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2008 was marked by international intervention, domestic upheaval, and significant but ultimately limited reforms. The period highlighted the fragility of Bangladesh's democracy and the complexities of instituting sustainable political changes in the face of entrenched interests and systemic issues. While the caretaker government succeeded in avoiding large-scale violence and delivering credible elections, it fell short of its ambitious reform agenda, leaving the future of Bangladesh's democracy uncertain.
Implications for the 2024 Interim Government
As Bangladesh navigates the political landscape following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, the legacy of the 2007 caretaker government offers several key insights. The primary lesson from the 2007 caretaker government is the importance of true neutrality in any interim administration. The success of future caretaker governments will hinge on their ability to maintain impartiality and focus solely on organizing free and fair elections. Additionally, any interim government must prioritize the protection of human rights and civil liberties. The abuses witnessed during the 2007 caretaker period should serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Smriti Singh, Amnesty International's regional director for South Asia, emphasized that any measures proposed by the new interim government must be rooted in the principles of justice, accountability, and non-recurrence.
The international community's expectations include a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the recent human rights violations, holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring full reparations for the victims.
Sustainable political stability requires deep-rooted institutional reforms. An interim government should focus on strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and implementing long-term electoral reforms. Economic stability remains crucial. Future interim governments must balance political and economic priorities, ensuring that measures taken to stabilize the political environment do not adversely impact economic growth and investment.
Finally, building and maintaining public trust is essential for the success of any interim administration. Engaging with civil society, maintaining open communication, and ensuring transparency in decision-making processes can help garner public support and legitimacy.
The caretaker government of Bangladesh from 2007 to 2009 played a pivotal role in navigating the country through a period of intense political crisis. Its successes and failings offer valuable lessons as Bangladesh once again stands at a political crossroads. As the nation looks towards establishing another interim government in August 2024, it must draw from past experiences to ensure a peaceful, fair, and democratic transition of power. Only by learning from history can Bangladesh hope to build a more stable and prosperous future. The new interim government has the opportunity to show solidarity with its people, protect the most vulnerable, and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, thereby paving the way for a renewed and strengthened democratic process.
