Bangladesh’s 'cooling-off' period requirement is a barrier to women’s political participation
Source: The Daily Star
In Bangladesh, the transition from a government job to a political career is not as straightforward as it ought to be. Under Section 12(1)(f) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, government officials are eligible to contest parliamentary elections only after a period of three years—commonly known as a cooling-off period—has passed since their resignation or retirement from office. This provision is based on valid concerns, but its broad implementation raises significant issues regarding inclusivity and the future of political engagement, particularly for women.
The purpose of the cooling-off period is to deter people from using their positions, power, or privileged knowledge for gaining political advantage, and thus preventing perceived political patronage, misappropriation of public resources, and conflicts of interest. Additionally, it prevents former public employees from exploiting their previous positions for personal or political gain, especially by moving directly into a political role where they might receive disproportionate benefits. The concept of separation of powers and public trust could be undermined if civil servants were free to transition into political positions. As a result, the cooling-off period serves as a deterrent, strengthening accountability and safeguarding institutional integrity.
Although the provision’s intent is sound, its application might be sweeping and too basic. Not every public employee holds a position with substantial decision-making or executive power, access to confidential data, or the potential to influence political outcomes. For example, a government officer in grade 10, 11, or 12 might not be as influential as executives at the directorial level, especially if they held no administrative or policymaking responsibilities. These variations are not taken into consideration when the same three-year restriction is applied consistently to all levels of public service.
In Bangladesh, the transition from a government job to a political career is not as straightforward as it ought to be. Under Section 12(1)(f) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, government officials are eligible to contest parliamentary elections only after a period of three years—commonly known as a cooling-off period—has passed since their resignation or retirement from office. This provision is based on valid concerns, but its broad implementation raises significant issues regarding inclusivity and the future of political engagement, particularly for women.
The purpose of the cooling-off period is to deter people from using their positions, power, or privileged knowledge for gaining political advantage, and thus preventing perceived political patronage, misappropriation of public resources, and conflicts of interest. Additionally, it prevents former public employees from exploiting their previous positions for personal or political gain, especially by moving directly into a political role where they might receive disproportionate benefits. The concept of separation of powers and public trust could be undermined if civil servants were free to transition into political positions. As a result, the cooling-off period serves as a deterrent, strengthening accountability and safeguarding institutional integrity.
Although the provision’s intent is sound, its application might be sweeping and too basic. Not every public employee holds a position with substantial decision-making or executive power, access to confidential data, or the potential to influence political outcomes. For example, a government officer in grade 10, 11, or 12 might not be as influential as executives at the directorial level, especially if they held no administrative or policymaking responsibilities. These variations are not taken into consideration when the same three-year restriction is applied consistently to all levels of public service.