Leaders of Bangladesh
Sayed Nazrul Islam
1971-1972
Sayed Nazrul Islam was a Bangladeshi politician who served as the acting president of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971. He was also the first prime minister of Bangladesh from April 1971 to January 1972, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned from Pakistan. He played a key role in organizing the resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces and mobilizing international support for the Bangladeshi cause.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
1972-1975
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the founding father of Bangladesh and the first Prime Minister of the country. He led the nation in its struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971. He was assassinated in 1975 by a group of military officers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in the history of South Asia.
Ziaur Rahman
1976-1982
Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladeshi military leader and politician who served as the seventh president of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981. He is widely regarded as the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the largest political parties in the country. He played a key role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, leading a sector of the guerrilla forces against the Pakistani army. He also initiated several reforms and development projects during his presidency, such as the establishment of the Rural Electrification Board and the expansion of education and health services.
H M Ershad
1984 - 1989
Hussain Muhammad Ershad, commonly known as H M Ershad, was a prominent Bangladeshi military officer and politician who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1984 to 1989. He came to power through a bloodless military coup in 1982 and later assumed the presidency after the overthrow of the civilian government in 1983. Ershad's rule was marked by authoritarian tendencies and a tight grip on power. He introduced several economic and administrative reforms during his tenure, but faced criticism for suppressing political dissent and curtailing press freedom. In 1988, amid growing protests and opposition, he declared a state of emergency and dissolved the parliament. However, mounting public pressure eventually led to his resignation in December 1990, paving the way for a return to civilian rule in Bangladesh.
Begum Khaleda Zia
1991-1996
2001-2006
Begum Khaleda Zia, born on August 15, 1945, is a prominent Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She is the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the major political parties in the country. Khaleda Zia is the widow of former Bangladeshi President Ziaur Rahman, and she played a significant role in shaping the nation's politics. Throughout her career, she faced both acclaim and controversy, with her leadership marked by efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote social welfare programs. However, her tenure also faced challenges related to corruption allegations and political unrest. Despite facing legal troubles, she remained a key figure in Bangladeshi politics, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's political landscape.
Sheikh Hasina
1996-2001
2009-Present
Sheikh Hasina is a prominent political figure and the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Born on September 28, 1947, she has been a leading force in Bangladeshi politics for several decades. Hasina is the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history, having held the position since January 6, 2009. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in various developmental initiatives and socio-economic reforms, striving to improve the living standards of the Bangladeshi people. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has made significant progress in areas such as economic growth, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment. Hasina's political journey has been marked by both challenges and achievements, making her an influential and respected figure both nationally and internationally.
Rafiq Uddin Ahmed
On 21 February 1952, during the student protest for Bengali as the national language of Pakistan at Dhaka University, despite a curfew (Section 144), Ahmed participated. When police opened fire near Dhaka Medical College, Rafiq was shot in the head and died instantly. His body was discovered behind the Anatomy Hall, Room 5 of the medical hostel, by a group of six to seven protestors. Rafiq was buried at Azimpur Graveyard under Pakistan Army guard. Unfortunately, his grave was lost and remains unidentified.
Abul Barkat
On February 21, 1952, students protested for Bengali language as the national language despite a curfew (Section 144) in place. Police fired at the protestors near Dhaka Medical College. Barkat, seriously injured, died at Dhaka Medical College at 8:00 pm on that day. He was buried in Azimpur Graveyard, but the exact grave location is lost. His mother, Hasina Begum, inaugurated the Shaheed Minar in 1963.
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