Parliament and Elections

Lesson 3/45 min

Parliamentary elections 1973–2026

Watch out: The books' lists stop at the 12th election (7 January 2024). As checked in 2026, the latest is the 13th, on 12 February 2026.

Memory trick: Two elections in 1996: the 6th in February, the 7th in June. The 6th Sangsad lasted only 12 days (19–30 March 1996).

Voting on 12 February 2026; polling was held in 299 of 300 seats because a candidate died
BNP won a two-thirds majority; Jamaat-e-Islami became the main opposition
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, sworn in on 17 February 2026
A referendum on the “July National Charter” was held the same day

Formed under Article 118; a constitutional body
The Chief Election Commissioner and at most four other commissioners, so at most five
Appointed by the President; term 5 years
In 2026 the Chief Election Commissioner is A M M Nasir Uddin (appointed 21 November 2024)

Check yourself

When was independent Bangladesh's first parliamentary election?

1
1st election: 7 March 1973, won by the Awami League; 2nd: 18 February 1979, won by BNP.
2
5th election: 27 February 1991; two elections in 1996 (15 February and 12 June).
3
9th: 29 December 2008; 10th: 5 January 2014; 11th: 30 December 2018; 12th: 7 January 2024.
4
13th election, 12 February 2026: BNP won a two-thirds majority; Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
5
The Election Commission is formed under Article 118: at most 5 members, 5-year term, appointed by the President.