Bangladesh flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is governed by an interim administration led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus since August 2024, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid mass protests. Key reforms under the July Charter aim to establish a bicameral legislature and limit executive power ahead of national elections scheduled for February 2026. Political tensions persist among major parties including BNP, Awami League, and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Democracy Index

Moderate

Government Type

Parliamentary republic under interim government

Legal System

Mixed legal system combining English common law and Islamic law

Head of State

President Mohammed Shahabuddin(since 2023)

Head of Government

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus(Independent)since 2024

Political Indicators

Democracy Index
5.87Rank #82

Scale: 0-10

Hybrid regime

Economist Intelligence Unit (2023)

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Lower House:Jatiya Sangsad (350 seats)

Major Political Parties

Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP)

Centre-right

Awami League(AL)

Centre-left

Jamaat-e-Islami(JI)

Right-wing Islamist

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in national and local elections.

Recent Developments

  • Interim government formed after Sheikh Hasina's resignation in August 2024 following student-led uprising[6]
  • July Charter signed by 25 parties in October 2025 proposing bicameral legislature, term limits, and proportional representation[5]
  • Elections scheduled for February 2026[4]
  • July National Charter Implementation Order issued on 13 November 2025[1]
  • Referendum planned for February 2026 on reform roadmap[5]
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1972
Divisions8