Prime Minister of Bangladesh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh |
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Standard of the prime minister of Bangladesh
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Seal of the prime minister of Bangladesh
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| Abbreviation | PM |
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| Seat | Primary: Prime Minister's Office, Old Sangsad Bhaban, Tejgaon, Dhaka Secondary: Bangladesh Secretariat, Segunbagicha, Dhaka |
| Appointer | President of Bangladesh by convention, based on appointee's ability to command the confidence of the Jatiya Sangsad |
| Term length | At the pleasure of the president
Jatiya Sangsad term is 5 years unless dissolved sooner
No term limits |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Bangladesh |
| Inaugural holder | Tajuddin Ahmed |
| Formation | 17 April 1971 |
| Deputy | Deputy Leader of Jatiya Sansad |
| Salary | ৳305000 (US$3,300) per month (incl. allowances) |
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The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the main leader of the government in Bangladesh. This important role means they guide the country and its people. The Prime Minister works with a group of ministers called the Cabinet. Together, they make decisions and are responsible to the Parliament and the citizens. The President of Bangladesh officially appoints the Prime Minister.
Throughout history, Bangladesh has seen different ways its government was led. There were times when the military took control, and also periods with special temporary governments called "caretaker governments." These temporary governments helped manage the country during transitions between elected leaders. In 2011, a change was made to the constitution, but later, in December 2024, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared that change illegal.
Sheikh Hasina served as Prime Minister for a long time, stepping down on 5 August 2024. This left the position open. Currently, Tarique Rahman became the Prime Minister on 17 February 2026. His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, won the general election that year.
Contents
Understanding the Prime Minister's Role
How is the Prime Minister Chosen?
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is chosen through a democratic process. After a general election, the President of Bangladesh appoints the person who leads the political party (or group of parties) that has the most support in the Jatiya Sangsad (the Parliament). This person must have the trust of the Parliament to lead the country.
The Prime Minister then chooses other ministers to form the Cabinet. These ministers help run different parts of the government. Most of these ministers are members of Parliament. A small number can be experts who are not elected Members of Parliament, but they must be qualified to be elected. The President officially appoints these ministers.
When a new Prime Minister is chosen, they take an oath. This oath is a promise to faithfully serve Bangladesh, uphold its Constitution, and treat everyone fairly according to the law.
English Oath
I, (name) do swear with honor (or solemnly affirm) that I, according to the laws, shall faithfully discharge the functions of the office of the Prime Minister (or Minister or State Minister or Sub-minister, as the circumstances allow). I shall possess pure faith and obedience to Bangladesh. I shall preserve, support, and secure the constitution and deal with all with equity as suggested by laws, without being affected by fear or mercy, love or hatred.
What Does a Prime Minister Do?
The Prime Minister's main office is in Tejgaon in Dhaka city. This office helps the Prime Minister with many tasks, like managing paperwork, ensuring security, and organizing important events.
The Prime Minister is in charge of several key areas of the government. These often include:
- Leading the Leader of the House in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) to manage government activities.
- Overseeing the Cabinet Division, which helps coordinate all government ministries.
- Leading the Armed Forces Division and serving as the Minister of Defence.
- Being responsible for the country's power, energy, and mineral resources.
- Chairing the Bangladesh Planning Commission, which plans for the country's future development.
- Guiding the Bangladeshi intelligence community to ensure national security.
A Look at Bangladesh's Prime Ministers
Bangladesh has a rich history, starting from its time as part of British India. Before Bangladesh became an independent nation, the region was known as Bengal. After 1947, it became East Pakistan. During this period, the region faced many challenges.
Early Years and Independence (1971-1975)
The modern role of the Prime Minister began when Bangladesh declared its independence on 17 April 1971. Tajuddin Ahmad became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh. After the country adopted its Constitution in 1972, the official title became the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Periods of Change (1975-1991)
From 1975 to 1991, Bangladesh experienced different forms of government. During these years, the President held most of the executive power, and the Prime Minister was appointed by the President. There were also times when the military played a significant role in governing the country.
Return to Parliamentary Government (1991-Present)
In September 1991, the people of Bangladesh approved changes to the constitution. These changes brought back a parliamentary system, giving the Prime Minister the main governing power, similar to Bangladesh's first constitution. In October 1991, Members of Parliament elected Abdur Rahman Biswas as the new President.
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Terms
Khaleda Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh for two terms: from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. During her time in office, her government focused on improving education. They introduced free education for girls up to the 10th grade and provided financial support for female students. Her government also dedicated a large part of the national budget to the education sector.
She became Prime Minister for a second time after her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), won the general election in 2001. The BNP secured a strong majority in Parliament, and Khaleda Zia was sworn in once more.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Terms
Sheikh Hasina first became Prime Minister in 1996 after her party, the Awami League, won the parliamentary elections. She worked to form a government that included different political groups.
After the 2008 general election, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League achieved a significant victory, winning a large number of seats in Parliament. She took office as Prime Minister on 6 January 2009. She continued to serve as Prime Minister after the 2014 election.
Sheikh Hasina secured a fourth term as Prime Minister after winning the 2018 general election. She became the longest-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh since the country's independence. Following a period of significant public events, Sheikh Hasina stepped down from her role on 5 August 2024.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Term
After a period of transition under an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh held its 13th general election on 12 February 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Chairman Tarique Rahman, won a large number of seats in the Jatiya Sangsad.
On 17 February 2026, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. This marked the end of the interim administration and the beginning of the country's first elected government since the 2024 events.
Supporting the Prime Minister
Salary and Benefits
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh receives a salary and other benefits for their important work. According to the Prime Minister's (Remuneration and Privilege) (Amendment) Bill, 2016, the Prime Minister's monthly salary is 115,000 Taka. They also receive a monthly house rent allowance of 100,000 Taka and a daily allowance of 3,000 Taka.
See also
In Spanish: Primer ministro de Bangladés para niños
- Chief Adviser of Bangladesh
- Constitution of Bangladesh
- List of prime ministers of Bangladesh
- Politics of Bangladesh
- President of Bangladesh
