List of Bangladesh Prime Ministers (1971- 2024)

Bangladesh has had an unstable political history since independence from Pakistan in 1971. The country was initially led by its first prime minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of the Awami League. The political environment at the time was characterized by rule by the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), periods of military control, and political instability.

Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been the longest serving prime minister since January 6, 2009. Under her leadership, the economy has made great progress, but allegations of authoritarianism and human rights violations have cast a shadow on her record.

Here is a complete overview of Bangladesh’s Prime Ministers, their tenures, and their political affiliations –

Name

semester

Political parties

Tajuddin Ahmad

April 17, 1971 – January 12, 1972

People’s Alliance

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

January 12, 1972 – January 25, 1975

People’s Alliance

Mohammad Mansur Ali

January 25, 1975 – August 15, 1975

Baksa

Masiur Rahman

June 29, 1978 – March 12, 1979

National People’s Party (Bhashani) / BNP

Shah Azizul Rahman

April 15, 1979 – March 24, 1982

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Atauur Rahman Khan

March 30, 1984 – July 9, 1986

Janadar/ People’s Party (Ershad)

Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury

July 9, 1986 – March 27, 1988

National Party (Arshad)

Moudoud Ahmed

March 27, 1988 – August 12, 1989

National Party (Arshad)

Qazi Zafar Ahmed

August 12, 1989 – December 6, 1990

National Party (Arshad)

Khaleda Zia

March 20, 1991 – March 30, 1996

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Mohammad Habibur Rahman

March 30, 1996 – June 23, 1996

independent

Sheikh Hasina

June 23, 1996 – July 15, 2001

People’s Alliance

Latiful Rahman

July 15, 2001 – October 10, 2001

independent

Khaleda Zia

October 10, 2001 – October 29, 2006

Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Iajuddin Ahmed

October 29, 2006 – January 11, 2007

independent

Fazlur Haque

January 11, 2007 – January 12, 2007

independent

Fakhruddin Ahmed

January 12, 2007 – January 6, 2009

Independent (with military support)

Sheikh Hasina

January 6, 2009 – Present (as of August 2024)

People’s Alliance

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned and left the country amid a wave of protests against her leadership, which began in earnest over a job quota system and turned violent, leaving more than 100 people dead.

On August 5, 2024, Hasina, accompanied by her sister, left her official residence, Ghana Baban, in a military helicopter to seek asylum in India. Dissatisfaction with her government’s policies and authoritarian tactics is growing, as evidenced by protesters storming her palace demanding her resignation. She has been in power since 2009, but the conflict remains and the serious threats she faces remain. The international community is keenly watching the possible political crisis in Bangladesh.