List of political parties in Bangladesh

History

The current parliamentary system in the country was established in 1991 and is modelled after the Westminster system. Before this, the nation experienced a period of military rule from 1975 to 1990. In response to demands from the two major political parties, the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a caretaker government was introduced in 1990 following the resignation of military ruler Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed was appointed as the Chief Advisor and oversaw the 1991 general election.

The caretaker government is led by a Chief Advisor who holds powers similar to those of a regular prime minister, except for defense matters. The Advisors function in roles akin to ministers. Following the 1991 elections, caretaker governments also facilitated the elections in 1996, 2001, and 2008. Initially intended to support the transition from authoritarianism to democracy, the caretaker system was institutionalized in 1996 by the Sixth Parliament due to increasing mistrust between the BNP and AL.

In 2011, the Awami League, then in power, abolished the caretaker government system. This decision has since been a significant point of contention between Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party, contributing to ongoing political disputes.

Composition of the Parliament

Bangladeshi parliament is made up of 350 members, 300 members were elected by direct votes, and 50 women members were elected by the parties according to their popular voting percentage general election, but after the July Revolution, the Parliament was dissolved by the president on 6 August 2024.

Alliances

Grand Alliance

Main article: Grand Alliance (Bangladesh)

The Grand Alliance () is an alliance of political parties in Bangladesh that was formed in 2008. It consist of the Awami League, Jatiya Party (Ershad), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Workers Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Jatiya Party (Manju), Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Ganatantri Dol, Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist) (Barua) and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh.

The Liberal Democratic Party left the Grand Alliance before the election and contested independently. It joined the 18 Party Alliance in 2012.

Left Democratic Alliance

Main article: Left Democratic Alliance (Bangladesh)

The Left Democratic Alliance is an alliance of six leftist political parties including Communist Party of Bangladesh, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), Revolutionary Communist League of Bangladesh.

Ganatantra Manch

Main article: Ganatantra Manch

Ganatantra Manch () is a political alliance consisting of six political parties in Bangladesh. The alliance announced its formation on 8 August 2024 and consists of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rab), the Nagrik Oikya, the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, the Bhasani Anusari Parishad, the Rastro Songskar Andolon and the Ganosanhati Andolan. The Gono Odhikar Parishad was initially with the alliance, but in May 2023, they left the alliance. Among them, only the JSD (Rab) and the Revolutionary Workers Party are registered with the Bangladesh Election Commission.

Registered parties

These are all the parties that are currently registered under Election Commission.

Regional parties

Outlawed parties

Unregistered parties

• Bangladesh Freedom Party
• Bangladesh Justice Party
• Bangladesh Social Democratic Party
• Bangladesh Popular Party
• Bangladesh National Justice Party
• Krishak Sramik Party
• National Revolutionary Council
• Nation State Movement
• Bangala Saltanat Harakat
• Muslim Bangali Resistance Council

Defunct parties

• Awami League (Mizan)
• Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (1983–1991)
• Bangladesh National Congress
• Islamic Democratic League
• Jatiya League

References

References

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