National elections since independence; win-lose

National elections since independence

After independence, a total of 11 National Parliament elections were held, including the 11th Parliament election. In independent Bangladesh's 11 national parliamentary elections, three political parties came to power. In the meantime, Awami League and BNP came to power four times, but Awami League formed the government for the fifth time by winning the 11th National Assembly elections. This is a new record for the Awami League, a traditional and current ruling political party of Bangladesh. Earlier, the two main political parties shared the record of forming the government four times. Election Commission (EC) sources confirmed the matter.

Formation of the fifth government of Awami League: Awami League has won five times, BNP four times, and Jatiya Party twice by winning the 11th National Assembly elections. Awami League is first, seventh, and ninth, among them. 10th and 11th parliaments and BNP won in the second, fifth, sixth, and eighth parliaments.

On the other hand, the Jatiya Party won the third and fourth parliamentary elections. Earlier, Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party formed the government twice in a row, but no party could form the government three times in a row. Awami League formed the government for the third consecutive time.

Five Parliaments did not complete their term: The first national parliament election in Bangladesh was held on March 7, 1973. The last 10th parliamentary election was held on January 5, 2014. Although the term of each parliament is five years, out of 10 parliaments, 5 parliaments could not complete their term. 5 parliaments could not complete their term due to various reasons including political instability. Unexpired Parliaments include the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Sixth Parliaments. However, the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Parliaments managed to complete their terms.

How many votes were cast in any election: The 8th parliamentary election held in 2008 received the highest number of votes among the parliamentary elections of Bangladesh. 87 percent of votes were cast in this election. On the other hand, the lowest number of votes was obtained in the fourth parliamentary election held on February 15, 1996. The vote was 26.5 percent. Also, First Parliament 54.9 percent, Second Parliament 51.3 percent, Third Parliament 61.3 percent, Fourth Parliament 52.5 percent, Fifth Parliament 55.4 percent. On the other hand, 75.49 percent of votes were cast in the seventh parliament, 75 percent in the eighth parliament, and about 40 percent in the tenth parliament. However, the percentage of votes cast in the 11th parliamentary elections has not been officially announced. However, this time more than 80 percent of votes are reported.

Eleventh National Assembly Elections: The 11th National Parliament election was held on December 30, 2018. All 39 registered parties participated in this election. The total number of candidates in the election was 1 thousand 861. Among them, 1 thousand 733 people from political parties and 128 participated as independent candidates. Out of 300 constituencies, 1 candidate died and 299 constituencies were elected. Awami League single-handedly won 259 seats out of the remaining 298 seats as the result of 1 seat being suspended. Also, Jatiya Party won 20 seats in the plow symbol, BNP won 5 seats in the paddy symbol, Workers Party of Bangladesh 3, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) 2, Alternative Movement Bangladesh 2 and Jatiya Party (JP) 1, Tarikat Federation 1, Gano Forum 2 seats. On the other hand, independent candidates won 3 seats.

10th National Assembly Elections: On January 5, 2014, the 10th National Parliament election of Bangladesh was held. Out of 300 constituencies, 153 candidates were elected unopposed in this election. Elections were held in the remaining 147 seats. In the election, Awami League won 234 seats, Jatiya Party 34, Walkers Party 6, Jasad 5, Jatiya Party (JP) 2, Tarikat Federation 2, BNF 1, independent candidates won 16 seats. Most of the political parties, including the main opposition BNP, boycotted the election.

Ninth National Assembly Elections: Awami League won 230 seats in the 9th parliament held on December 29, 2008. BNP won 30 seats, Jatiya Party 27 seats, Jasad 3 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami 2 seats, Workers Party 2 seats, BJP 1 seat, LDP 1 seat, and independent candidates won 4 seats.

Eighth National Assembly Elections: BNP won 193 seats in the 8th parliamentary elections on 1 October 2001. Besides, Awami League won 62 seats, Jatiya Party 14, Jamaat-e-Islami 17, BJP 4, JP (Manju) 1, Islami Oikyajot 2, Krishak Sramik Janata League 1, and independent candidates won 6 seats.

Seventh National Assembly Elections: Awami League won 146 seats in the seventh parliamentary election held on June 12, 1996, and formed the government. In addition, BNP won 116 seats, Jatiya Party 32, Jamaat-e-Islami 3, Islami Oikyajot 1, Jasad 1, and independent candidate 1.

Sixth National Assembly Elections: On February 15, 1996, the sixth parliamentary election of Bangladesh was held. Most of the parties boycotted the elections. BNP led by Khaleda Zia won 278 seats in the election. Apart from this, Freedom Party got 1, and independent candidates got 10 originals. Out of this, the results of 10 constituencies remain undecided and the election of one constituency was postponed by a court order.

It is to be noted that the main opposition Awami League claimed that the fifth parliamentary election of 1988 was rigged. At this time, the opposition parties demanded elections under a neutral caretaker government. In 1993, first, the Jamaat-e-Islami and then the Awami League introduced a bill in the parliamentary secretariat to make the subsequent elections neutral and acceptable to the caretaker government. However, the then-Khaleda Zia-led BNP government did not accept this demand.

During this time the Commonwealth and other organizations tried to reach a compromise with the government and the opposition but failed. Later, the Sixth National Assembly elections were held on February 15, 1996, amid various violent incidents and despite strong protests and boycotts by the opposition parties.

Fifth National Assembly Election: On February 27, 1991, the Fifth National Assembly was elected. BNP won 140 seats and formed the government. Also, Awami League 88, Jatiya Party 35, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 18, CPB 5, Bakshal 5, Jasad (Siraj) 1, Islami Oikyajot 1, Workers Party 1, NDP 1, Democratic Party 1, NAP (Mozaffar) 1, other parties 3 won the seat.

Fourth National Parliament Election: The fourth parliamentary election was held on March 3, 1988. Jatiya Party won 251 seats in the elections. On the other hand, the combined opposition party led by ASM Abdur Rab won 19 seats, Jasad (Siraj) had 3 seats, Freedom Party had 2 seats and independent candidates won 25 seats. Most of the political parties including Awami League, BNP, and CPB boycotted this election.

Third National Assembly Election: On May 7, 1986, the third parliamentary election was held. Jatiya Party won 153 seats in this election. Also, Awami League won 76 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami 10, CPB 5, NAP (Mozaffar) 2, NAP 5, Bakshal 3, Jasad (Rab) 4, Jasad (Siraj) 3, Muslim League 4, Workers Party 3 and independent candidates won 32 seats. Some political parties including BNP boycotted this election.

Second National Parliament Election: On February 18, 1979, the second parliamentary election was held during Ziaur Rahman's tenure. BNP won 207 seats. Awami League participated in this election divided into two parts. Among them, Awami League (Malek) 39, Awami League (Mizan) 2, Jasd 8, Muslim League and Democratic League 20, NAP (Mozaffar) 1, Bangladesh Jatiya League 2, Bangladesh Ganofront 2, Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal 1, Bangladesh Democratic Movement 1, Jatiya Ekda Party 1 and 16 seats were won by independent candidates.

First National Parliament Election: After the independence of Bangladesh, the first national parliamentary election was held on March 7, 1973. In this election, Bangladesh Awami League won 293 seats out of 300 seats with the boat symbol and formed the government. Also, JSD 1, Bangladesh Jatiya League 1, and independent candidates won 5 seats. In the first parliament, 11 candidates were elected unopposed.