ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the genesis of the caretaker government (CTG) system as a mode of transition in Bangladesh and as an expression of this nation's quest to institutionalise basic democratic order through a free electoral process. It evaluates the four CTG regimes of 1990, 1996, 2001 and 2006–2008 to see whether this indigenous law or this 'home grown plant', as described by Ahmed (2004: 3), played any effective role during the transition between two governments, through its neutral caretaking role, and whether it assisted the country's quest to achieve democratic consolidation. In doing so, the chapter discusses the circumstances in which the CTG emerged and evolved, critiquing each CTG regime, not only in terms of its mandate and efficacy but also dwelling on the policy decisions each CTG regime had undertaken over the years and the shifts therein. The chapter also discusses its gradual metamorphosis.
