Politics of Bangladesh takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Constitution of Bangladesh was written in 1972 and has undergone thirteen amendments.^[1] The 2006–2007 Bangladeshi political crisis began in October 2006 when a caretaker government — designated by the constitution to oversee the vote — assumed power at the end of October to steer the country through parliamentary elections. ... // Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: 11 April 1971 to 12 January 1972 Abu Sayeed Chowdhury: 12 January 1972 to 24 December 1973 Mohammad Mohammadullah: 26 December 1973 to 25 January 1975 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: 25 January to 15 August 1975 Khandakar Mushtaq Ahmed: 15 August to 6 November 1975 Abu Sadat Mohammad... Iajuddin Ahmed (Bangla: ইয়াজউদ্দিন আহম্মেদ) (February 1, 1931) is the current President of Bangladesh and has been in office since 2002. ... The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is, in practice, the most powerful political position in Bangladesh. ... Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed (born May 1, 1940, Munshiganj, British India) is a noted Bangladeshi economist, civil servant, and a former governor of the Bangladesh Bank, the countrys central bank. ... Jatiyo Sangshad (Bangla: জাতীয় সংসদ) or National Assembly is the national parliament of Bangladesh. ... This article lists political parties in Bangladesh. ... See election for a more comprehensive discussion and the List of democracy and elections-related topics for an overview on related topics. ... General elections were held in Bangladesh on 1 October 2001. ... In 2007, general elections were scheduled to be held in Bangladesh. ... The South Asian country of Bangladesh consists of 6 divisions (bibhag), each named after its respective capital. ... The divisions of Bangladesh are divided into 64 districts (zila or zilla, Bangla: jela). ... Upazilas, also known as sub-districts, are the lowest level of administrative government in Bangladesh. ... 2005 was a terrible year for national security in Bangladesh. ... Bangladesh pursues a moderate foreign policy that places heavy reliance on multinational diplomacy, especially at the United Nations. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of popular sovereignty by the peoples representatives. ... Look up republic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is, in practice, the most powerful political position in Bangladesh. ... The head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... The constitution of Bangladesh is the supreme law in Bangladesh. ... An amendment is a change to the constitution of a nation or a state. ...

Executive branch

The President is the head of state , a largely ceremonial post. The real power is held by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The president is elected by the legislature every five years and has normally limited powers that are substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, mainly in controlling the transition to a new government. Bangladesh has instituted a unique system of transfer of power; at the end of the tenure of the government, power is handed over to members of a civil society for three months, who run the general elections and transfer the power to elected representatives. This system was first practiced in 1991 and adopted to the constitution in 1996.^[2] // Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: 11 April 1971 to 12 January 1972 Abu Sayeed Chowdhury: 12 January 1972 to 24 December 1973 Mohammad Mohammadullah: 26 December 1973 to 25 January 1975 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: 25 January to 15 August 1975 Khandakar Mushtaq Ahmed: 15 August to 6 November 1975 Abu Sadat Mohammad... Iajuddin Ahmed (Bangla: ইয়াজউদ্দিন আহম্মেদ) (February 1, 1931) is the current President of Bangladesh and has been in office since 2002. ... is the 249th day of the year (250th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is, in practice, the most powerful political position in Bangladesh. ... Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed (born May 1, 1940, Munshiganj, British India) is a noted Bangladeshi economist, civil servant, and a former governor of the Bangladesh Bank, the countrys central bank. ... is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... This page lists Presidents of Bangladesh. ... For the comedy film of the same name, see Head of State (film). ... The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is, in practice, the most powerful political position in Bangladesh. ... The head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... A caretaker is a term mainly used in the United Kingdom, meaning a concierge or janitor. ... The word caretaker may have numerous meanings, but the most common two are (1) a person or persons who cares for a property in exchange for rent-free living accommodations and (2) temporary government which takes control until a stable rule can be restored. ...

The prime minister is ceremonially appointed by the president and must be a member of parliament (MP), commanding the confidence of the majority of the MPs. The cabinet is composed of ministers selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is, in practice, the most powerful political position in Bangladesh. ... A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters to a parliament. ... A cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. ... A minister or a secretary is a politician who heads a government ministry or department (e. ...

Legislative branch

Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban houses the Parliament of Bangladesh

The legislature is a unicameral, 300-seat body, the Jatiyo Sangshad. The 300 members are elected by universal suffrage at least every 5 years. There is universal suffrage for all citizens at the age of 18. Image File history File links Jatiyo_Sangshad_Bhaban_(Roehl). ... Image File history File links Jatiyo_Sangshad_Bhaban_(Roehl). ... Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban, designed by Louis I. Kahn, houses the National Parliament of Bangladesh. ... Unicameralism is the practice of having only one legislative or parliamentary chamber. ... Jatiyo Sangshad (Bangla: জাতীয় সংসদ) or National Assembly is the national parliament of Bangladesh. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Universal suffrage (also general suffrage or common suffrage) consists of the extension of the right to vote to all adults, without distinction as to race, sex, belief, intelligence, or economic or social status. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Universal suffrage (also general suffrage or common suffrage) consists of the extension of the right to vote to all adults, without distinction as to race, sex, belief, intelligence, or economic or social status. ...

"On 16 May 2004, the Jatiyo Sangshad (the national parliament) passed the 14th constitutional amendment to reintroduce quotas for women (article 65). The number of seats in parliament is to be raised to 345, 45 (13%) of which will be reserved for women in the next parliament. The seats will be allocated to parties in proportion to their overall share of the vote. This quota system repleces the previous quota law which expired in 2001. Until 2001 a system of reserved seats for women was used, where 30 seats out of 330 were reserved to women (chosen by indirect election by the 300 directly elected MPs). This provision of guaranteeing women reserved seats expired in April 2001. This quota system was first introduced by the 1972 Constitution (originally providing for 15 reserved seats for women, out of 315 seats, for a period of 10 years). In 1978 a presidential proclamation enlarged the number of reserved seats to 30 and extended the period of reservation to 15 years from the date of promulgation of the constitution of the Republic in December 1972. The constitutional provision lapsed in 1987 and was re-incorporated in the constitution by an amendment in 1990 to be effective for 10 years from the first meeting of the legislature next elected. This provision also lapsed in 2001. The Parliament elected in October 2001 does not have reserved seats for women. Women's groups are lobbying for these seats to become directly elected positions and for the number of reserved seats to be increased." International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance May 16 is the 136th day of the year (137th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... International IDEAs HQ in Stockholm The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) aims to develop the institutions and culture of democracy worldwide. ...

The 8th Parliament had its first sitting on 28 October 2001. is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ...

Political parties and elections

The two major parties in Bangladesh are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Awami League. BNP finds its allies among Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh while Awami League aligns itself traditionally with leftist and secularist parties. Another important player is the Jatiya Party, headed by former military ruler Ershad. The Awami League-BNP rivalry has been bitter and punctuated by protests, violence and murder. Student politics is particularly strong in Bangladesh, a legacy from the liberation movement era. Almost all parties have highly active student wings, and students have been elected to the Parliament. A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues. ... This article lists political parties in Bangladesh. ... An election is a decision making process whereby people vote for preferred political candidates or parties to act as representatives in government. ... See election for a more comprehensive discussion and the List of democracy and elections-related topics for an overview on related topics. ... This article lists political parties in Bangladesh. ... Bangladesh Nationalist Party (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Dôl, BNP) is the immediate past ruling political party of Bangladesh, as part of an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (as of October 2006). ... The Bangladesh Awami League (বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামী লীগ Bangladesh Aoami Lig) or the Bangladesh Peoples League is the main opposition party in Bangladesh and the political catalyst for Bengali discontent and rebellion in 1971. ... Islamism is a political ideology derived from the conservative religious views of Muslim fundamentalism. ... Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (a. ... The Bangladesh Awami League (বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামী লীগ Bāŋlādeś Āowāmī Līg) or the Bangadesh Peoples League is the main opposition party in Bangladesh. ... “Leftism” redirects here. ... This article is about secularism. ... Jatiya Party (National Party) is a Bangladeshi political party. ...

Two radical Islamist parties, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were banned in February 2005 by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Since then, a series of bomb attacks took place in the country and have been blamed on those groups, and hundreds of suspected members have been detained in numerous security operations, including the head the of those two parties in 2006. The first recorded case of a suicide bomb attack in Bangladesh took place in November 2005. Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (Awakened Muslim Masses of Bangladesh), known in popular usage as the JMJB, is a vigilante Islamic radicalist organization based in Bangladesh, especially around the countrys north-western region, which gained worldwide reknown for its efforts to create an all-Islamic state based upon only the... Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh is a radical Islamist organisation from Bangladesh. ... Bangladesh Nationalist Party (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Dôl, BNP) is the immediate past ruling political party of Bangladesh, as part of an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (as of October 2006). ...

Jatiyo Sangshad (Bangla: জাতীয় সংসদ) or National Assembly is the national parliament of Bangladesh. ... Bangladesh Nationalist Party (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Dôl, BNP) is the immediate past ruling political party of Bangladesh, as part of an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (as of October 2006). ... The Bangladesh Awami League (বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামী লীগ Bangladesh Aoami Lig) or the Bangladesh Peoples League is the main opposition party in Bangladesh and the political catalyst for Bengali discontent and rebellion in 1971. ... The Jatiya Party (Ershad) (National Party (Ershad)) is a political party in Bangladesh. ... Islami Jatiya Oikya Front (Islamic National United Front), a political front in Bangladesh, led by Jatiya Party (Ershad). ... Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (a. ... The Jatiya Party (Naziur) (National Party (Naziur)) is a political party in Bangladesh. ... The Islami Oikya Jotye (Islamic Unity Front) is a political party in Bangladesh. ... The Peasants and Workers People League (Bangla: কৃষক শ্রমিক জনতা লীগ) (Krishak Sramik Janata League) is a political party in Bangladesh. ... The Jatiya Party (Manju) (National Party (Manju)) is a political party in Bangladesh. ...

Judicial branch

The highest judiciary body is the Supreme Court, whose Chief Justice and judges are recommended by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the President. The judiciary has come under criticism for lack of independence. Indeed, magistrates for lower courts are selected via the same process for all members of the civil service, an office which is run by the executive. In the summer of 2007, a new law has been enacted to redress this problem.^{[citation needed]} Laws are loosely based on English common law, but family laws such as marriage and inheritance are based on religious scripts, and hence differ from one religious community to another.^{[citation needed]} The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      In the law, the judiciary or judicial system is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. ... The Supreme Court of Bangladesh is the highest court of law in Bangladesh. ... English law is a formal term of art that describes the law for the time being in force in England and Wales. ...

History

Provisional government

The provisional government of the new nation of Bangladesh was formed in Dhaka with Justice Abu Sayeed Choudhury as President, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ("Mujib")--who was released from Pakistani prison in early 1972--as Prime Minister. Dhaka (previously Dacca; Bengali: Ḍhākā; IPA: ) is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka District. ... Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Bangla: শেখ মুজিবর রহমান Shekh Mujibur Rôhman) (March 17, 1920 – August 15, 1975) was a Bengali political leader in East Pakistan and the founding leader of Bangladesh. ...

1972-1975 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Mujib came to office with immense personal popularity, but had difficulty transforming this popular support into the political strength needed to function as head of government. The new constitution, which came into force in December 1972, created a strong executive prime minister, a largely ceremonial presidency, an independent judiciary, and a unicameral legislature on a modified Westminster model. The 1972 constitution adopted as state policy the Awami League's (AL) four basic principles of nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy. The Bangladesh Awami League (বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামী লীগ Bāŋlādeś Āowāmī Līg) or the Bangadesh Peoples League is the main opposition party in Bangladesh. ... Eugène Delacroixs Liberty Leading the People, symbolising French nationalism during the July Revolution 1830. ... This article is about secularism. ... Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subjfuck grapesect to control by the community[1] for the purposes of increasing social and economic equality and cooperation. ...

The first parliamentary elections held under the 1972 constitution were in March 1973, with the Awami League winning a massive majority. No other political party in Bangladesh's early years was able to duplicate or challenge the League's broad-based appeal, membership, or organizational strength. Relying heavily on experienced civil servants and members of the Awami League, the new Bangladesh Government focused on relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the economy and society. Economic conditions remained precarious, however. In December 1974, Mujib decided that continuing economic deterioration and mounting civil disorder required strong measures. After proclaiming a state of emergency, Mujib used his parliamentary majority to win a constitutional amendment limiting the powers of the legislative and judicial branches, establishing an executive presidency, and instituting a one-party system, the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), which all members of Parliament were obliged to join. Civil disorder is a broad term that is typically used by law enforcement to describe one or more forms of disturbance caused by a group of people. ... Sheikh Mujib addresses the foundation meeting of BAKSAL. The Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League was the political amalgmation of the Awami League with the Krishak Sramik Party that supported President Mujibur Rahman in governing Bangladesh. ... The Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League was the political amalgmation of the Awami League with the Krishak Sramik Party that supported President Mujibur Rahman in governing Bangladesh. ...

Despite some improvement in the economic situation during the first half of 1975, implementation of promised political reforms was slow, and criticism of government policies became increasingly centered on Mujib. In August 1975, Mujib, and most of his family, were assassinated by mid-level army officers. His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, happened to be out of the country. A new government, headed by former Mujib associate Khandakar Moshtaque, was formed. Sheikh Hasina Wazed (Bangla: শেখ হাসিনা ওয়াজেদ) (born September 28, 1947) was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001. ...

1975-1981 Ziaur Rahman

Successive military coups resulted in the emergence of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ziaur Rahman ("Zia") as strongman. He pledged the army's support to the civilian government headed by President Chief Justice Sayem. Acting at Zia's behest, Sayem dissolved Parliament, promising fresh elections in 1977, and instituted martial law. Ziaur Rahman (Bengali: Ziaur Rôhman) (January 19, 1936 — May 30, 1981) was the 6th President of Bangladesh and the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Acting behind the scenes of the Martial Law Administration (MLA), Zia sought to invigorate government policy and administration. While continuing the ban on political parties, he sought to revitalize the demoralized bureaucracy, to begin new economic development programs, and to emphasize family planning. In November 1976, Zia became Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) and assumed the presidency upon Sayem's retirement 5 months later, promising national elections in 1978. The Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA) The Collegiate Middle Level Association (CMLA) is a student association designed to promote and support the professional development of future middle level teachers, as well as the development and nurturing of middle level education programs. ...

As President, Zia announced a 19-point program of economic reform and began dismantling the MLA. Keeping his promise to hold elections, Zia won a 5-year term in June 1978 elections, with 76% of the vote. In November 1978, his government removed the remaining restrictions on political party activities in time for parliamentary elections in February 1979. These elections, which were contested by more than 30 parties, marked the culmination of Zia's transformation of Bangladesh's Government from the MLA to a democratically elected, constitutional one. The AL and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), founded by Zia, emerged as the two major parties. The constitution was again amended to provide for an executive prime minister appointed by the president, and responsible to a parliamentary majority. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Dôl, BNP) is the immediate past ruling political party of Bangladesh, as part of an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (as of October 2006). ... BNP may be: British National Party, a British nationalist political party British National Party (1960s), a British political party active in the 1960s Bahujana Nidahas Peramuna, a Sri Lankan political party Balochistan National Party, a political party in Pakistan Bandipur National Park, a national park in India Banff National...

In May 1981, Zia was assassinated in Chittagong by dissident elements of the military. The attempted coup never spread beyond that city, and the major conspirators were either taken into custody or killed. In accordance with the constitution, Vice President Justice Abdus Sattar was sworn in as acting president. He declared a new national emergency and called for election of a new president within 6 months--an election Sattar won as the BNP's candidate. President Sattar sought to follow the policies of his predecessor and retained essentially the same cabinet, but the army stepped in once again. This article is about Chittagong as a city in Bangladesh. ... A coup détat, or simply a coup, is the sudden overthrow of a government, usually done by a small group that just replaces the top power figures. ... A vice president is an officer in government or business who is next in rank below a president. ... Abdus Sattar (born 1906) was a Bangladeshi political figure. ...

1982-1990 Hussain Mohammed Ershad

Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hussain Mohammed Ershad assumed power in a bloodless coup in March 1982. Like his predecessors, Ershad suspended the constitution and--citing pervasive corruption, ineffectual government, and economic mismanagement--declared martial law. The following year, Ershad assumed the presidency, retaining his positions as army chief and CMLA. During most of 1984, Ershad sought the opposition parties' participation in local elections under martial law. The opposition's refusal to participate, however, forced Ershad to abandon these plans. Ershad sought public support for his regime in a national referendum on his leadership in March 1985. He won overwhelmingly, although turnout was small. Two months later, Ershad held elections for local council chairmen. Pro-government candidates won a majority of the posts, setting in motion the President's ambitious decentralization program. Political life was further liberalized in early 1986, and additional political rights, including the right to hold large public rallies, were restored. At the same time, the Jatiya (People's) Party, designed as Ershad's political vehicle for the transition from martial law, was established. Hossain Mohammad Ershad (born 1930) was the military dictator of Bangladesh from 1982 until 1990. ... Jatiya Party (National Party) is a Bangladeshi political party. ...

Despite a boycott by the BNP, led by President Zia's widow, Begum Khaleda Zia, parliamentary elections were held on schedule in May 1986. The Jatiya Party won a modest majority of the 300 elected seats in the national assembly. The participation of the Awami League--led by the late Prime Minister Mujib's daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wazed--lent the elections some credibility, despite widespread charges of voting irregularities. Look up Boycott in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Categories: Stub | 1945 births ... Sheikh Hasina Wajed (born September 28, 1947) is the President of the Bangladesh Awami League and daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. ...

Ershad resigned as Army Chief of Staff and retired from military service in preparation for the presidential elections, scheduled for October. Protesting that martial law was still in effect, both the BNP and the AL refused to put up opposing candidates. Ershad easily outdistanced the remaining candidates, taking 84% of the vote. Although Ershad's government claimed a turnout of more than 50%, opposition leaders, and much of the foreign press, estimated a far lower percentage and alleged voting irregularities.

Ershad continued his stated commitment to lift martial law. In November 1986, his government mustered the necessary two-thirds majority in the national assembly to amend the constitution and confirm the previous actions of the martial law regime. The President then lifted martial law, and the opposition parties took their elected seats in the national assembly.

In July 1987, however, after the government hastily pushed through a controversial legislative bill to include military representation on local administrative councils, the opposition walked out of Parliament. Passage of the bill helped spark an opposition movement that quickly gathered momentum, uniting Bangladesh's opposition parties for the first time. The government began to arrest scores of opposition activists under the country's Special Powers Act of 1974. Despite these arrests, opposition parties continued to organize protest marches and nationwide strikes. After declaring a state of emergency, Ershad dissolved Parliament and scheduled fresh elections for March 1988. The Special Powers act enabled the Protestants of Ireland to lock up the Catholics without trial. ...

All major opposition parties refused government overtures to participate in these polls, maintaining that the government was incapable of holding free and fair elections. Despite the opposition boycott, the government proceeded. The ruling Jatiya Party won 251 of the 300 seats. The Parliament, while still regarded by the opposition as an illegitimate body, held its sessions as scheduled, and passed a large number of bills, including, in June 1988, a controversial constitutional amendment making Islam Bangladesh's state religion. Look up Boycott in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... Nations with state religions:  Buddhism  Islam  Shia Islam  Sunni Islam  Orthodox Christianity  Protestantism  Roman Catholic Church A state religion (also called an official religion, established church or state church) is a religious body or creed officially endorsed by the state. ...

By 1989, the domestic political situation in the country seemed to have quieted. The local council elections were generally considered by international observers to have been less violent and more free and fair than previous elections. However, opposition to Ershad's rule began to regain momentum, escalating by the end of 1990 in frequent general strikes, increased campus protests, public rallies, and a general disintegration of law and order. A general strike is a strike action by an entire labour force in a city, region or country. ...

On December 6, 1990, Ershad offered his resignation. On February 27, 1991, after 2 months of widespread civil unrest, an interim government oversaw what most observers believed to be the nation's most free and fair elections to date. December 6 is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ...

1991-1996 Khaleda Zia

The center-right BNP won a plurality of seats and formed a coalition government with the Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, with Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman, obtaining the post of Prime Minister. Only four parties had more than 10 members elected to the 1991 Parliament: The BNP, led by Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia; the AL, led by Sheikh Hasina; the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), led by Golam Azam; and the Jatiya Party (JP), led by acting chairman Mizanur Rahman Choudhury while its founder, former President Ershad, served out a prison sentence on corruption charges. The electorate approved still more changes to the constitution, formally re-creating a parliamentary system and returning governing power to the office of the prime minister, as in Bangladesh's original 1972 constitution. In October 1991, members of Parliament elected a new head of state, President Abdur Rahman Biswas. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (a. ... Khaleda Zia (Bangla: খালেদা জিয়া) (born 15 August 1945, Controversy she has another 2 birth dates) was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996, the first woman in the countrys history to hold that position, and then again from 2001 to 2006. ... Sheikh Hasina Wazed (Bangla: শেখ হাসিনা ওয়াজেদ) (born September 28, 1947) was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001. ... Golam Azam (born 1922), is a Bangladeshi political leader. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Abdur Rahman Biswas(born 1 September 1926) is a Bangladeshi politician. ...

In March 1994, controversy over a parliamentary by-election, which the opposition claimed the government had rigged, led to an indefinite boycott of Parliament by the entire opposition. The opposition also began a program of repeated general strikes to press its demand that Khaleda Zia's government resign and a caretaker government supervise a general election. Efforts to mediate the dispute, under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, failed. After another attempt at a negotiated settlement failed narrowly in late December 1994, the opposition resigned en masse from Parliament. The opposition then continued a campaign of Marches, demonstrations, and strikes in an effort to force the government to resign. The opposition, including the Awami League's Sheikh Hasina, pledged to boycott national elections scheduled for February 15, 1996. Look up Boycott in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Commonwealth Secretariat is the central body of the Commonwealth of Nations, which implements the decisions taken by the associations 54 member governments and organises meetings of Commonwealth ministers. ... is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ...

In February, Khaleda Zia was re-elected for the second term by a landslide in voting boycotted and denounced as unfair by the three main opposition parties. In March 1996, following escalating political turmoil, the sitting Parliament enacted a constitutional amendment to allow a neutral caretaker government to assume power conduct new parliamentary elections; former Chief Justice Mohammed Habibur Rahman was named Chief Advisor (a position equivalent to prime minister) in the interim government. New parliamentary elections were held in June 1996 and were won by the Awami League; party leader Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister. The Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh takes over as the Head of State during the 90 day Caretaker Government that is mandated to hold Parliamentary Elections in Bangladesh. ...

1996-2001 Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina formed what she called a "Government of National Consensus" in June 1996, which included one minister from the Jatiya Party and another from the Jatiyo Samajtantric Dal, a very small leftist party. The Jatiya Party never entered into a formal coalition arrangement, and party president H.M. Ershad withdrew his support from the government in September 1997. Only three parties had more than 10 members elected to the 1996 Parliament: The Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party. Jatiya Party president, Ershad, was released from prison on bail in January 1997.

Although international and domestic election observers found the June 1996 election free and fair, the BNP protested alleged vote rigging by the Awami League. Ultimately, however, the BNP party decided to join the new Parliament. The BNP soon charged that police and Awami League activists were engaged in large-scale harassment and jailing of opposition activists. At the end of 1996, the BNP staged a parliamentary walkout over this and other grievances but returned in January 1997 under a four-point agreement with the ruling party. The BNP asserted that this agreement was never implemented and later staged another walkout in August 1997. The BNP returned to Parliament under another agreement in March 1998.

In June 1999, the BNP and other opposition parties again began to abstain from attending Parliament. Opposition parties have staged an increasing number of nationwide general strikes, rising from 6 days of general strikes in 1997 to 27 days in 1999. A four-party opposition alliance formed at the beginning of 1999 announced that it would boycott parliamentary by-elections and local government elections unless the government took steps demanded by the opposition to ensure electoral fairness. The government did not take these steps, and the opposition has subsequently boycotted all elections, including municipal council elections in February 1999, several parliamentary by-elections, and the Chittagong city corporation elections in January 2000. The opposition demands that the Awami League government step down immediately to make way for a caretaker government to preside over paliamentary and local government. A general strike is a strike action by an entire labour force in a city, region or country. ...

2001-2006 Khaleda Zia

Khaleda Zia won a second term in 2001. Her coalition included several Islamist parties, a fact which was criticized by those who feared post-9/11 Islamic radicalism and de-secularization in Bangladesh. Islamist violence targeting courts and imposing social strictures became a serious problem as Zia's term wore on. It came to a head in 2005 with the first suicide bombing and a coordinated bombing. This problem abated as two parties were outlawed and the leaders of the movement were rounded up.

2006-present Caretaker Government

An election was scheduled for the end of 2006, however it did not take place. The caretaker government was accused of BNP bias by Hasina and her coalition, who fomented nationwide protests and shutdowns. In January 2007, the head of the caretaker government stepped down, many believe under pressure from the military.

Fakhruddin Ahmed, former World Bank economist, was selected to replace him and has committed himself to rooting out corruption and preparing a better voter list. Emergency law was declared and a massive campaign to crack down on corruption is underway. By July 2007 some 200,000 people had been arrested. The government says it will hold elections before the end of 2008. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed (born May 1, 1940, Munshiganj, British India) is a noted Bangladeshi economist, civil servant, and a former governor of the Bangladesh Bank, the countrys central bank. ... The World Bank (the Bank), a part of the World Bank Group (WBG), was formally established on December 27, 1945, following the ratification of the Bretton Woods agreement. ...

In April, Ahmed's administration attempted to reform the political parties by exiling Hasina and Zia, but they backed down amid domestic and international protestations. Hasina, who had been visiting her children in US, was allowed to return but she faced serious charges, including involvement in the assassination of four political rivals. In July, she was taken into custody after two businessmen testified that she had extorted 80 million taka (US$1.16 million) from them.^[3] This provoked angry protests from her supporters; even her bitter rival Khalida Zia, as well as six British MPs and MEPs, called for her release.^[4] Khaleda herself faces charges of tax evasion. The Taka is the official currency of Bangladesh. ... Khaleda Zia (Bangla: [[:bn:খালেদাfrom 2001 to 2006. ...

Administrative divisions

At the local government level, the country is divided into divisions, districts, subdistricts, unions, and villages. Local officials are elected at the union level. All larger administrative units are run by members of the civil service.

Government Agencies

Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority, Bangladesh Bank The Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) is an agency of the Government of Bangladesh. ... Bangladesh Bank is the central bank of Bangladesh. ...

International organization participation

AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA,ICDDRB, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established in 1966 to promote economic and social development in Asian and Pacific countries through loans and technical assistance. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2006 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Don McKinnon (since 1 April 2000) Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization that helps member states communicate and cooperate on customs issues. ... The Colombo Plan began in 1951, and is a regional organisation focused on social development. ... The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), located in Bangkok, Thailand, is the regional arm of the United Nations Secretariat for the Asian and Pacific region. ... The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. ... link titlelink titlelink titlelink titlelink title--210. ... The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for military purposes. ... Logo of the World Bank The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is one of the five institutions consisting the World Bank Group. ... The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an agency of the United Nations, codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. ... Official logo of the ICC. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 2002 as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, crime of aggression, and war crimes, as defined by several international agreements, most prominently the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. ... Claiming 157 million members in 225 affiliated organisations in 148 countries and territories, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) came into being on December 7, 1949 following a split within the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). ... ICRM may refer to: International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Institute of Certified Records Managers International Committee for Radionuclide Metrology International Chemometrics Research Meeting This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Ida can mean the following: Ida of Bernicia, King of a British state. ... ICDDRB head office, Mahakhali, Dhaka The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) is an international health research organisation. ... IDB can mean: Illicit Diamond Buying (in South Africa) Image Database In-Depth Battlepedia (Neopets Battledome Help Website) In-suit Drink Bag (for a spacesuit) Industrial Development Board (for Northern Ireland) Informational Drug Brochure Integrated Database Intelligence Database Intelligent drum and bass Inter-American Development Bank Inter-Dimensional Being Interleaved... The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established as an international financial institution in 1977 as one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference. ... The International Finance Corporation (IFC) promotes sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve peoples lives. ... The Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblems, the symbols from which the Movement derives its name. ... The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental international organization established in 1921. ... Ilo may refer to: Ilo, a port in southern Peru Ilo, an artist on the Icelandic Bad Taste record label Ilo, the Estonian goddess of feasts This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... “IMF” redirects here. ... The three-letter abbreviation IMO may have several meanings, depending on context: In My Opinion - USENET and internet chat slang. ... Inmarsat plc is an international telecommunications company founded in 1979, originally as an intergovernmental organization. ... Intelsat, Ltd. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Alternative meanings at IOC (disambiguation) The International Olympic Committee is an organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 to reinstate the Ancient Olympic Games held in Greece, and organize this sports event every four years. ... IOM may refer to Institute of Medicine Iowa, Ohio, Michagin, soybean origin Isle of Man International Organization for Migration This page concerning a three-letter acronym or abbreviation is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... “ISO” redirects here. ... This article is about the location. ... MINURSO is a UN peacekeeping mission, established in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and to organize and conduct a referendum which would enable the people of Western Sahara to choose between integration with Morocco and independence. ... MONUC is a French acronym for Mission de l Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo, in English: Mission of the United Nations (UN) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). ... NAM stands for: National Association of Manufacturers Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal formerly known as the Navy Achievement Medal Non-Aligned Movement Number Assignment Module Network Add-on Mod, a major unofficial add-on for SimCity 4 Vietnam War Namid Ram Shatil Category: ... OIC may stand for: Organization of the Islamic Conference Office of Independent Council Office of Internal Communications Office of the Information Commissioner In Internet slang Oh, I see - also popular, in same usage, as comedic element from a scene in Disneys animated movie version of Tarzan. ... The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is not an agency of the United Nations. ...  Afghanistan  Bangladesh  Bhutan  India  Maldives  Nepal  Pakistan  Sri Lanka Headquarters Kathmandu, Nepal Statistics Area  - Total 7th if ranked 5,130,746 km² Population  - Total (2004)  - Density 1st if ranked 1,467,255,669 285. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ... A session of the Security Council in progress The United Nations Security Council is the most powerful organ of the United Nations. ... The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body, UNCTAD is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment and development issues. ... UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945. ... Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (established December 14, 1950) protects and supports refugees at the request of a government or the United Nations and assists in their return or resettlement. ... United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is an agency of the United Nations with the mission of helping countries pursue sustainable industrial development, it is a specialist in industrial affairs. ... UNIKOM, the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, was established on April 9, 1991 following the Gulf War by Security Council resolution 689 (1991) and fully deployed by early May. ... The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) is an international organization formed under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1035, as extended by Security Council Resolution 1357. ... The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo or UNMIK is an interim civilian administration in Kosovo, under the authority of the United Nations. ... UN Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP) (January 15, 1996 - December 15, 2002) was a United Nations peacekeeping mission that monitored the demilitarization of the disputed Prevlaka peninsula by carrying out daily foot and vehicle patrols on both sides of the border between Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. ... The United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) was a United Nations peacekeeping mission that operated from December 4, 1994 to May 15, 2000 during and after the Tajikistan Civil War, monitoring the peace agreements. ... The United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) was established on 24 August 1993 by Security Council Resolution 858 to verify compliance with the 27 July 1993, ceasefire agreement between the Republic of Georgia and forces in Abkhazia with special attention given to the situation in the city of Sukhumi... The UN Transitional Administration in East Timor provided an interim civil administration and a peacekeeping mission in the territory of East Timor. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... The Universal Postal Union (UPU, French: Union postale universelle) is an international organization that coordinates postal policies between member nations, and hence the world-wide postal system. ... WCL is a three-letter abbreviation with multiple meanings, as described below: Washington College of Law, American Universitys law school in Washington, D.C. Water Closet, a European euphemism for a room in which toilet facilities are located. ... The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) was established in the wake of the Second World War to bring together trade unions across the world in a single international organization, much like the United Nations. ... “WHO” redirects here. ... The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (French: Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle or OMPI) is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations. ... The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is an intergovernmental organization with a membership of 187 Member States and Territories. ... World Tourism Organization Building in Madrid The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a United Nations agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. ... “WTO” redirects here. ...

References

1. ^ Constitutional amendments in Asiatic Society of Bangladesh 2003
2. ^ 13th Amendment, Constitution of Bangladesh, 1996.
3. ^ Former Bangladesh PM arrested in corruption crackdown, The Guardian, July 16, 2007
4. ^ UK MPs denounce Bangladesh arrest, BBC News, 23 July 2007