Prime Minister of Bangladesh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh |
|
|---|---|
Standard of the prime minister of Bangladesh
|
|
Seal of the prime minister of Bangladesh
|
|
|
Incumbent
Vacant since 5 August 2024 |
|
|
|
| Style |
|
| Abbreviation | PM |
| Member of |
|
| Reports to |
|
| Seat | Primary: Old Sangsad Bhaban (Prime Minister's Office), 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 Prime Minister of Bangladesh |
| Salary | ৳305000 (US$3,300) per month (incl. allowances) |
The prime minister of Bangladesh (Bengali: বাংলাদেশের প্রধানমন্ত্রী) is the main leader of the government of Bangladesh. The prime minister and the group of ministers (called the cabinet) work together. They are responsible for their decisions to the Parliament, their political party, and the people who elected them. The president of Bangladesh officially appoints the prime minister.
Sometimes, the military took control of the government in Bangladesh. This happened in 1975–78, 1982–86, and 1990–91. During these times, the military leaders were in charge instead of a prime minister. Between 1996 and 2008, a special "caretaker government" led by a chief adviser was in charge for 90 days. This happened when one elected government finished its term and before a new one was chosen. This system was changed in 2011.
Sheikh Hasina was the prime minister for the longest time in Bangladesh's history. Her time as prime minister ended on 5 August 2024, and the position is now empty.
Contents
How the Prime Minister is Chosen
The Constitution of Bangladesh explains how the prime minister is chosen. After a general election, the president appoints the prime minister. The prime minister is usually the leader of the political party (or group of parties) that wins the most seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament). This person must have the support of the Parliament to lead the country.
The prime minister chooses other ministers to form the cabinet. The president then officially appoints these ministers. Most ministers (at least 90%) must be members of Parliament (MPs). A small number (up to 10%) can be experts who are not MPs. The president can end the Parliament's term early if the prime minister asks in writing.
The prime minister is appointed and takes an oath by saying:
Bangla
আমি, (নাম), সশ্রদ্ধচিত্তে শপথ (বা দৃঢ়ভাবে ঘোষণা) করিতেছি যে, আমি আইন-অনুযায়ী সরকারের প্রধানমন্ত্রী (কিংবা ক্ষেত্রমত মন্ত্রী, প্রতি-মন্ত্রী, বা উপমন্ত্রী)-পদের কর্তব্য বিশ্বস্ততার সহিত পালন করিব: আমি বাংলাদেশের প্রতি অকৃত্রিম বিশ্বাস ও আনুগত্য পোষণ করিব; আমি সংবিধানের রক্ষণ, সমর্থন ও নিরাপত্তাবিধান করিব; এবং আমি ভীতি বা অনুগ্রহ, অনুরাগ বা বিরাগের বশবর্তী না হইয়া সকলের প্রতি আইন-অনুযায়ী যথাবিহীত আচরণ করিব।
English
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 the Prime Minister Does
The main office of the prime minister is in Tejgaon, Dhaka. This office helps the prime minister with many tasks. It provides staff, security, and helps with official events and meetings. It also handles matters related to intelligence and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Some important government departments are directly managed by the prime minister. The prime minister is usually in charge of:
- The Leader of the House (who manages Parliament's work).
- The Cabinet Division (which helps the cabinet work).
- The Armed Forces Division and the Ministry of Defence.
- The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
- Being the head of the Planning Commission.
- The Bangladeshi intelligence community.
History of the Prime Minister's Role
Bangladesh was once part of British India called Bengal. Between 1937 and 1947, Bengal had a leader called the "premier." In 1947, Bengal was divided. Part of it became East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. Some of the past Bengal premiers later became prime ministers of Pakistan.
East Pakistan faced many challenges from 1947 to 1971. Its democratic government struggled, and the military took control at times. During this period, East Pakistan was led by governors and chief ministers.
Independence and Early Government (1971–1975)
The role of prime minister in Bangladesh began when the country declared independence. This happened on 17 April 1971, with the Provisional Government of Bangladesh. Tajuddin Ahmad became the first prime minister of Bangladesh. When Bangladesh adopted its Constitution in 1972, the official title became "prime minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh."
Military Rule and Presidential Power (1975–1991)
From 1975 to 1991, the president had the main power in Bangladesh. During this time, the president appointed the prime minister.
Return to Parliamentary Government (1991–Present)
In September 1991, the people of Bangladesh voted to change the constitution. This change brought back a parliamentary system. This meant that the prime minister once again held the main governing power, similar to Bangladesh's first constitution. In October 1991, Parliament members elected Abdur Rahman Biswas as the new president.
Khaleda Zia's Time as Prime Minister (1991–1996, 2001–2006)
Khaleda Zia served as prime minister of Bangladesh two times. Her first term was from 1991 to 1996, and her second was from 2001 to 2006. During her time, her government made important changes in education. They introduced free education for girls up to 10th grade. They also provided money for female students and food programs for education. Education received the largest part of the government's budget.
Khaleda Zia became prime minister for a second time after her party, the BNP, won many seats in the February 1996 election. However, other major parties did not take part in this election. They wanted the election to be held under a neutral caretaker government. In the June 1996 election, BNP lost to Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. But BNP became the largest opposition party.
To try and return to power, the BNP formed an alliance with other parties in 1999. In the 2001 general elections, BNP won a large majority of seats. Khaleda Zia became prime minister again. In the 2008 election, her party lost significantly.
Sheikh Hasina's Time as Prime Minister (1996–2001, 2009–2024)
Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, won 146 seats in the June 1996 parliamentary elections. With support from other parties, she had enough seats to form a government. Hasina became the prime minister of Bangladesh. She promised to create a "Government of National Unity."
In the 2001 Parliament election, the Awami League lost. Sheikh Hasina and her party did not accept the results. However, other countries generally found the elections to be fair.
In the December 2008 election, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won a huge victory. They won 230 seats, giving them a large majority in Parliament. Sheikh Hasina became prime minister on 6 January 2009. She continued as prime minister after winning the January 2014 election. Her party won easily because the main opposition party did not take part.
Sheikh Hasina won a fourth term as prime minister in the 2018 general election. She became the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh since the country became independent.
After protests across the country in 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned on 5 August 2024.
Pay and Benefits
The prime minister of Bangladesh receives a salary of 115,000 Taka per month. They also get a monthly house rent allowance of 100,000 Taka. In addition, they receive a daily allowance of 3,000 Taka.
See also
- Chief Adviser
- Constitution of Bangladesh
- Deputy Prime Minister of Bangladesh
- Foreign Minister of Bangladesh
- List of prime ministers of Bangladesh
- Politics of Bangladesh
- President of Bangladesh
- Prime Minister of Bengal
