President of Bangladesh
| President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশের রাষ্ট্রপতি | |
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 Presidential seal | |
 Presidential Standard | |
| Style |
The Honorable His Excellency (diplomatic, outside Bangladesh.) |
| Residence | Bangabhaban Palace |
| Appointer | Jatiyo Sangshad |
| Term length | Five years, renewable once |
| Inaugural holder | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman |
| Formation | 26 March 1971 |
| Website | http://www.bangabhaban.gov.bd/ |
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| This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Bangladesh |
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Legislature
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Executive |
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Foreign policy |
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The President of Bangladesh is the Head of State of Bangladesh, since 1991 elected by Parliament, and thus generally representing the majority party of the legislature. [1] In 1991, with the restoration of a democratically elected government, Bangladesh adopted a parliamentary democracy. The President is now a largely ceremonial post elected by the parliament.[2]
Since 1996, the President's role has become more important again. Parliament passed new laws enhancing the President's executive authority, as laid down in the constitution, after the Parliament dissolves. The President resides at the Bangabhaban Palace, which is his office and residence. The President is elected to assume office by the 300 parliamentarians in an open ballot.[3][4] He continues to hold in office after his five-year term expires until a successor is elected to the presidency.[1]
History of the Office
The role of the president has been changed three times since Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971. At the beginning of the Bangladesh war of independence in April 1971, Bangladesh Forces and Bangladesh Government in exile were both established. After the oath ceremony was held at Meherpur, Kushtia, the government-in-exile set up its headquarters at 8 Theatre Road, in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India. The first Bangladesh President to take oath of office was Syed Nazrul Islam with Tajuddin Ahmad as the first Prime Minister. After the war ended, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the Prime Minister with the election of the first parliament.
Later in 1973 under a new constitution, the set up began under a parliamentary system of government where the president was a nominal head of the state while all the executive powers were vested in the prime minister. In 1974, the government under Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman switched from parliamentary to a single party presidential system banning all press, political parties and activities under the State of Emergency. It was reverted to democratic parliamentary system in 1991 when Khaleda Zia became the first female prime minister of Bangladesh through parliamentary election.
The President is the head of state, a largely ceremonial post elected by the parliament.[2] However, the President's powers have been substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, which is responsible for the conduct of elections and transfer of power. The officers of the caretaker government must be non-partisan and are given three months to complete their task. This transitional arrangement is an innovation that was pioneered by Bangladesh in its 1991 election and then institutionalised in 1996 through its 13th constitutional amendment.[5]
In the caretaker government, the president has the power to control over the Ministry of Defence, the authority to declare a state of emergency, and the power to dismiss the Chief Adviser and other members of the caretaker government. Once elections have been held and a new government and Parliament are in place, the president's powers and position revert to their largely ceremonial role. The Chief Adviser and other advisers to the caretaker government must be appointed within 15 days after the current Parliament expires.[6]
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a Bengali nationalist politician and the founder of Bangladesh. He headed the Awami League, served as the first President of Bangladesh and later became its Prime Minister. He is popularly referred to as Sheikh Mujib, and with the honorary title of Bangabandhu (বঙ্গবন্ধু Bôngobondhu, "Friend of Bengal"). His eldest daughter Sheikh Hasina Wajed is the present leader of the Awami League and the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He introduced the state policy of Bangladesh according to four basic principles—nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy.[7]
The Awami League won a massive majority in the first parliamentary elections of Bangladesh in March 1973. It continued as a mass movement, espousing the cause that brought Bangladesh into being and representing disparate and often incoherent elements under the banner of Bangla nationalism. No other political party in Bangladesh's early years was able to duplicate or challenge its broad-based appeal, membership, or organizational strength.[7]
The new government focused on relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the country's war-ravaged economy and society. Economic conditions remained tenuous, however, and food and health irregularities was rampant causing difficulties that continued to be endemic. Bangabandhu declared some of war criminals free who were not directly involved in war crime, but he never forgave those who were directly involved with war crimes like Murder, Rape etc. In 1974, Mujib proclaimed a State of Emergency and amended the constitution to limit the powers of the legislative and judicial branches, established a one man, single party executive presidency, and instituted a one-party system. Calling these changes the "Second Revolution," Mujib assumed the presidency. All political parties were dissolved except for a single new party, the Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), which all members of parliament, government and semi-autonomous associations and bodies were obliged to join. Political militias of the Awami League ruled the streets and villages of the entire nation through torture, rape, murder, looting and other subversive activities. Mujib's family members reigned the streets of Dhaka as strongman.[7]
After Bangladesh achieved recognition from major countries, Mujib helped Bangladesh enter into the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.[citation needed] He travelled to the United States, the United Kingdom and other European nations to obtain humanitarian and developmental assistance for the nation. He signed a treaty of friendship with India, which pledged extensive economic and humanitarian assistance and began training Bangladesh's security forces and government personnel.[18] Mujib forged a close friendship with Indira Gandhi, strongly praising India's decision to intercede, and professed admiration and friendship for India. But the Indian government did not remain in close cooperation with Bangladesh during Mujib's lifetime.
He charged the provisional parliament to write a new constitution, and proclaimed the four fundamental principles of "nationalism, secularism, democracy and socialism," which would come to be known as "Mujibism." Mujib nationalised hundreds of industries and companies as well as abandoned land and capital and initiated land reform aimed at helping millions of poor farmers. Major efforts were launched to rehabilitate an estimated 10 million refugees. The economy began recovering and a famine was prevented. A constitution was proclaimed in 1973 and elections were held, which resulted in Mujib and his party gaining power with an absolute majority. He further outlined state programmes to expand primary education, sanitation, food, healthcare, water and electric supply across the country. A five-year plan released in 1973 focused state investments into agriculture, rural infrastructure and cottage industries.
Assassination of Mujibur Rahman
Implementation of promised political reforms was slow, and Mujib increasingly was criticized. In August 1975, he was assassinated by junior and mid-level army officers, and a new government, headed by a former associate, Khandakar Moshtaque, was formed. Mushtaq's government was removed by a silent coup that occurred on 3 November 1975. A counter uprising occurred four days later on 7 November, resulting from a power struggle, and Maj. Gen. Ziaur Rahman emerged into the political scene returning to the post of Army Chief of Staff. He pledged the army's support to the civilian government headed by the president, Chief Justice Sayem. As the country was in dire situation with no stability and security, acting at Zia's behest, Sayem then promulgated martial law, continued Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's State of Emergency, and less than replaced President Sayem as the Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA).[7]
Ziaur Rahman (BNP)
After a Yes-No nation wide vote referendum, Ziaur Rahman was elected for a 5-year term as president in 1978. His government removed the remaining restrictions on political parties and encouraged all opposition parties to participate in the pending parliamentary elections. He freed the press, and introduced a market economy. More than 30 parties vied in the parliamentary elections of 15 February 1979, and with massive public support Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won 207 of the 300 elected seats.[7]
Initially as Deputy CMLA, Ziaur Rahman sought to invigorate government policy and administration. While continuing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's ban on political parties, he sought to revitalize the demoralized bureaucracy, to begin new economic development programs, and to emphasize family planning. A year later in November 1976, Ziaur Rahman became Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA). He assumed the presidency upon Sayem's retirement 5 months later, promising national elections in 1978.
Islamic ideology
Zia moved to lead the nation in a new direction, significantly different from the ideology and agenda of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League and BAKSAL.[8] He issued a proclamation order amending the constitution, replacing secularism with increasing the faith of the people in their creator. In the preamble, he inserted the salutation "Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful). In Article 8(1) and 8(1A) the statement "absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah" was added, replacing the commitment to secularism. Socialism was redefined as "economic and social justice."[9] In Article 25(2), Zia introduced the principle that "the state shall endeavour to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic solidarity."[10] Zia's edits to the constitution redefined the nature of the republic from the secularism laid out by Sheikh Mujib and his supporters.[9] Islamic religious education was introduced as a compulsory subject in Bangladeshi schools, with provisions for non-Muslim students to learn of their own religions.[11]
In public speeches and policies that he formulated, Zia began expounding "Bangladeshi nationalism," as opposed to Mujib's assertion of a Bengal national identity. Zia emphasised the national role of Islam (as practised by the majority of Bangladeshis). Claiming to promote an inclusive national identity, Zia reached out to non-Bengali minorities such as the Santals, Garos, Manipuris and Chakmas, as well as the Urdu-speaking peoples of Bihari origin. However, many of these groups were predominantly Hindu and Buddhist and were alienated by Zia's promotion of political Islam. In an effort to promote cultural assimilation and economic development, Zia appointed a Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Commission in 1976, but resisted holding a political dialogue with the representatives of the hill tribes on the issue of autonomy and cultural self-preservation.[12] On 2 July 1977 Ziaur Rahman organised a tribal convention to promote a dialogue between the government and tribal groups. However, most cultural and political issues would remain unresolved and intermittent incidents of inter-community violence and militancy occurred throughout Zia's rule.[12]
Reforms and International Relations
Notable mentions of Ziaur Rahman's tenure as a President have been radical reforms both in country's infrastructure and diplomacy. President Zia successfully pointed out the grounds those could be effectively and exclusively decisive for development of Bangladesh and his reforms covered the political, economical, agricultural and military infrastructure of Bangladesh. Reorganization of Bangladesh's international relations are especially mentionable because it had active influence over both economy and politics. He successfully bailed Bangladesh out of the Indo-Soviet bloc and grabbed the distancing strings to put bar on the gradually deterioration of Bangladeshi relations with the Western world. Zia gave attention to the other Eastern superpower China that later helped Bangladesh hugely to recover from economical setbacks and to enrich the arsenal of her armed forces.
The most notable of Zia's reformed diplomacy was establishing a magnificent relationship with the Muslim world as well as the Middle-east. The present bulk overseas recruitment of Bangladeshi migrant workers to several Middle-eastern countries are direct outcome of Zia's efforts those he put to develop a long-lasting relationship with the Muslim leadership of the world. The purpose of Middle-east relations has been largely economical whereas the rapid improvement of relations with China was particularly made to for rapid advancement of the country's armed forces.
Throughout the study of Zia's international relations it could have been suggested that attention to the bigger neighbor India has been largely ignored. But Zia was found to put strong emphasis on regional cooperation particularly for South Asia. It came evident after Zia took initiative to found SAARC. Zia's dream of Bangladesh's involvement in a strong regional cooperation was met after 4 years of his assassination when SAARC got founded on 8 December 1985 with a key role of the then Bangladeshi authority.
Assassination of Ziaur Rahman
In 1981, Zia was assassinated by dissident elements of the military. Vice President Justice Abdus Sattar was constitutionally sworn in as acting president. He declared a new national emergency and called for elections within 6 months. Sattar was elected president and won. Sattar was ineffective, however, and Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. H.M. Ershad assumed power in a bloodless coup in March 1982.[7]
Hussain Muhammad Ershad (Jatiya Party)
Like his predecessors, Ershad dissolved parliament, declared martial law, assumed the position of CMLA, suspended the constitution, and banned political activity. Ershad reaffirmed Bangladesh's moderate, non-aligned foreign policy.[7]
In December 1983, he assumed the presidency. Over the ensuing months, Ershad sought a formula for elections while dealing with potential threats to public order.[7]
On 1 January 1986, full political rights, including the right to hold large public rallies, were restored. At the same time, the Jatiyo (People's) Party (JP), designed as Ershad's political vehicle for the transition from martial law, was established. Ershad resigned as chief of army staff, retired from military service, and was elected president in October 1986. (Both the BNP and the AL refused to put up an opposing candidate.)[7]
In July 1987, the opposition parties united for the first time in opposition to government policies. Ershad declared a state of emergency in November, dissolved parliament in December, and scheduled new parliamentary elections for March 1988.
All major opposition parties refused to participate. Ershad's party won 251 of the 300 seats; three other political parties which did participate, as well as a number of independent candidates, shared the remaining seats. This parliament passed a large number of legislative bills, including a controversial amendment making Islam the state religion.
By mid-1990, opposition to Ershad's rule had escalated. November and December 1990 were marked by general strikes, increased campus protests, public rallies, and a general disintegration of law and order. Ershad resigned in December 1990.
Powers and duties
Currently, although the position of President holds de jure importance, its de facto powers are largely ceremonial.[2] The Constitution allows the President to act only upon the advice of the Prime Minister and her Cabinet.[1]
Appointments
The President can appoint the following to office:[1]
- By Article 56 (2), the Prime Minister and his/her Cabinet, with the limitation that the Prime Minister must be a parliamentarian who holds the confidence of the majority of the House. The President can also dismiss a member of Cabinet upon the request of the Prime Minister.
- By Article 95, the Chief Justice and other Judges of the Court.
- By Article 118, the Bangladesh Election Commission, including the Chief.
Immunity
The President is granted immunity for all his actions by Article 51 of the Constitution[1] and is not answerable to anybody for his actions, and no criminal charges can be brought to the Court against him. The only exception to this immunity is if the Parliament seeks to impeach the President.
Prerogative of mercy
The President has the prerogative of mercy by Article 49 of the Constitution,[1] which allows him to grant pardon to anybody, overriding any verdict given by any Court in Bangladesh.
Bills
By Article 80, the President can refuse to assent to any bill passed by the parliament, but send it back for review. A bill is enacted only after the President assents to it.
Chancellor at Universities
Chancellor is a titular position at Universities in Bangladesh, always held by the incumbent President of Bangladesh under the Private Universities Act 1992.[13] The position in public universities is not fixed for the president under any acts or laws (since the erection of a state university in Bangladesh requires an act to be passed in itself),[14] but it has been the custom so far to name the incumbent president of the country as chancellor of all state universities thus established.
Selection process
Eligibility
Conditions for Presidency
Election process
Oath or affirmation
Succession
Article 54 of the Constitution of Bangladesh provides for the succession of the President. It states that in case of absence due to illness or other reasons, the Speaker of Jatiyo Sangshad will act as the President of Bangladesh until the President resumes office.[1] This Article was used during the ascension of Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar as the Acting President of the State following the resignation of former President A. Q. M. Badruddoza Chowdhury,[15] and when President Zillur Rahman could not discharge his duties due to his illness, and later, death.[16]
Since Bangladesh is a parliamentary system, it does not have a Vice President. However, during the presidential system of governance, Bangladesh had a Vice President who would assume the President's role in his absence; the post was abolished by the twelfth amendment to the Constitution in 1991.[5]
Removal
A President can resign from office by writing a letter by hand to the Speaker. The President can also be impeached by the Parliament. In case of impeachment, the Parliament must bring specific charges against the President, and investigate it themselves, or refer it to any other body for investigation. The President will have the right to defend himself. Following the proceedings, the President is impeached immediately if two-thirds of the Parliament votes in favor, and the Speaker ascends to power.[1]
Presidential Residences and Office
The principal Presidential residence at Bangabhaban is located in Dhaka. There is also a Presidential Palace at Uttara Gano Bhaban in Natore District.
List of presidents
See also
- Prime Minister of Bangladesh
- Politics of Bangladesh
- Caretaker government
- Foreign Minister of Bangladesh
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "CONSTITUTION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH". Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Background Note: Bangladesh", US Department of State, May 2007
- ↑ "Presidential Election Act, 1991". CommonLII. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ↑ Chowdhury, M. Jashim Ali (6 November 2010). "Reminiscence of a lost battle: Arguing for the revival of second schedule". The Daily Star. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Constitutional Amendments". Banglapedia. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Retrieved 2006-07-14.
- ↑ Bangladesh Government Information
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 "Bangladesh". Virtual Bangladesh. Virtual Bangladesh. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
- ↑ Country Studies, Bangladesh (12 September 2006). "Zia regime". Retrieved 2006-09-12.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Charles Kennedy, Craig Baxter (11 July 2006). Governance and Politics in South Asia. p. 238. ISBN 0-8133-3901-4. Retrieved 2006-07-11.
- ↑ "General Zia" (PHP). 2 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-02.
- ↑ Raman, B. (29 August 2006). "Zia and Islam" (PHP). Retrieved 2006-08-29.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Chittagong Hill Tracts Issue" (PHP). 12 September 2006. Retrieved 2006-09-12.
- ↑ "The Private University Act, 1992". Südasien-Institut. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
- ↑ "Ministry of Education – Law/Act". Ministry of Education, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Retrieved 6 April 2011.
- ↑ "Barrister Md. Jamiruddin Sircar". Bangabhaban. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ↑ "Speaker acting as President". Bangladesh News 24. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
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বাংলাদেশের রাষ্ট্রপতি