Lesson 4/44 min
Referendums and forms of government
The 6th Sangsad lasted just 12 days, 19 to 30 March 1996. Within that time, on 26 March 1996, the 13th Amendment was passed, introducing the caretaker government system.
Referendums
| Date | On what |
|---|---|
| 30 May 1977 | The first; a yes/no vote on Ziaur Rahman's rule |
| 21 March 1985 | The second; held under the military ruler Ershad |
| 15 September 1991 | A constitutional referendum; the 12th Amendment to return to the parliamentary system |
| 12 February 2026 | On the July National Charter; held on the day of the 13th election |
Watch out: Zubair's book says “three referendums in Bangladesh”. Counting the 2026 vote, there are now four (1977, 1985, 1991, 2026).
Changes of system
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Multi-party parliamentary government begins |
| January 1975 | The 4th Amendment brings one-party presidential rule |
| September 1991 | The 12th Amendment restores the parliamentary system |
| 26 March 1996 | 13th Amendment: a non-party caretaker government |
| 2011 | The 15th Amendment abolishes the caretaker system |
Watch out: Many books give 27 March 1996 for the 13th Amendment. According to Banglapedia it was passed on 26 March 1996 (another source gives 28 March).
Two more facts
- The first Chief Adviser of the constitutional caretaker government was Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman (1996)
- The Prime Minister's question hour began in the 7th Sangsad: one day a week, first 15 minutes, 30 minutes from the 8th
Check yourself
When was Bangladesh's first referendum?
At a glance
- 1
Referendums: 30 May 1977, 21 March 1985, 15 September 1991 (constitutional).
- 2
12 February 2026: a fourth referendum, on the July National Charter, held on the day of the 13th election.
- 3
January 1975: 4th Amendment (presidential rule); September 1991: 12th Amendment (parliamentary system).
- 4
The 13th Amendment (caretaker government) was passed on 26 March 1996 and abolished by the 15th Amendment in 2011.
- 5
The 6th Sangsad lasted 12 days; the Prime Minister's question hour began in the 7th Sangsad.