From Tajuddin to Tarique: Bangladesh gets its 11th PM
Before Tarique, Bangladesh recorded 12 prime ministerial tenures.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman took the oath as Bangladesh's 11th prime minister today (17 February), marking a new chapter in the country's political history, after his party and allied parties secured 212 seats in the 13th national election held on 12 February.
The election came 18 months after the student-led July Uprising toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime and the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took over, raising hope for state reforms and good governance.
Before Tarique, Bangladesh recorded 12 prime ministerial tenures. Here is the full list of prime ministers and their tenures in chronological order:
1. Tajuddin Ahmad (1971–1972)
2. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1972–1975)
3. Muhammad Mansur Ali (January-August 1975)
4. Shah Azizur Rahman (1979–1982)
5. Moudud Ahmed (1988–1990)
6. Khaleda Zia (1991–1996)
7. Khaleda Zia (February 1996 – March 1996)
After the controversial February 15 election in 1996, which was largely boycotted by opposition parties, Khaleda Zia briefly assumed office again as the prime minister. Following escalating political turmoil, on 30 March, Khaleda Zia resigned, and the Parliament was dissolved. Afterwards, a neutral caretaker government assumed power and held new parliamentary elections.
8. Sheikh Hasina (1996–2001)
9. Khaleda Zia (2001–2006)
10. Sheikh Hasina (2009–2014)
11. Sheikh Hasina (2014–2019)
12. Sheikh Hasina (2019–2024)
13. Tarique Rahman (17 February 2026 - )
BNP Chairman and Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman took oath as the prime minister and formed a 49-member cabinet.
