2008 Bangladeshi general election

none September 2016 Bangladesh parliamentary 2001 Bangladeshi general election 2001 2014 Bangladeshi general election 2014 yes 2008 12 29 List of members of the 8th Jatiya Sangsad List of members of the 9th Jatiya Sangsad 300 of the 345 seats in the Jatiya Sangsadseats Voting was postponed in one constituency due to the death of a candidate 151 81,087,003 87.13% ( 12.16pp) 130x130px Sheikh Hasina - 2009.jpg Sheikh Hasina Awami League Grand Alliance 40.02%, 62 seats 230 168 33,634,629 48.04% 8.02pp The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Khaleda Zia calls on the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, in New Delhi on March 21, 2006 (cropped).jpg Khaleda Zia Bangladesh Nationalist Party Four Party Alliance 41.40%, 193 seats 30 163 22,757,101 32.50% 8.90pp Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Jatiya Party (cropped-2).jpg H.M. Ershad Jatiya Party (Ershad) Grand Alliance 7.22%, 14 seats 27 13 4,926,360 7.04% 0.18pp 300px Results by party and constituency 300px Results by alliance and constituency Chief Adviser Prime Minister after election Fakhruddin Ahmed Independent (caretaker) Sheikh Hasina Awami League General elections were held in Bangladesh on 29 December 2008. The two main parties in the election were the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, and the Bangladesh Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh Awami League Party formed a fourteen-party Grand Alliance including Ershad's Jatiya Party,17 November 2008 AL to contest polls under 14-party banner http://priyo.com/news/20081117/15965 Priyo https://web.archive.org/web/20090116054157/http://priyo.com/news/20081117/15965 16 January 2009 while the BNP formed a four-party alliance which included Jamaat-e-Islami.Elect 4-party to protect sovereignty: Khaleda apologises for past mistakes, wraps up campaign https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1668489791.html https://web.archive.org/web/20181116000651/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1668489791.html usurped 16 November 2018 The New Nation Dhaka 28 December 2008 HighBeam Research subscription The chairperson of BNP and the leader of the four-party alliance [Begum Khaleda Zia] ... Barrister Abdur Razzak, assistant secretary general of Jamaat, Moulana Abdul Latif Nezami, secretary general of Islami Oikkya Jote ... among others, addressed the rally. The election was originally scheduled for January 2007, but it was postponed by a military-controlled caretaker government for an extended period of time. The elections resulted in a landslide victory for the Awami League-led grand alliance,Bangladesh stunned by Awami victory http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7804040.stm BBC News 29 December 2008 30 December 2008 30 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081230094836/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7804040.stm live which won 263 seats of the 300 directly elected seats. The main rival four-party alliance received only 32 seats, with the remaining four going to independent candidates. Polling in the constituency of Noakhali-1 was postponed due to the mysterious death of the AL candidate. The election for the seat was held on 12 January 2009 insteadBangladesh Election Commission announces results of 299 seats in Parliamentary elections http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/31/content_10586149.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20090111092054/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/31/content_10586149.htm dead 11 January 2009 Xinhua 31 December 2008 and was won by the BNP candidate.EC satisfied with Noakhali polls http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=14358 The Daily Star United News of Bangladesh 13 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120929205512/http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=14358 29 September 2012 Voter turnout was 87%, the highest ever recorded in a Bangladeshi general election. Main political parties December 2008 On 11 December, the Awami League formed a coalition with the Jatiya Party led by Hussain Muhammad Ershad once deposed through mass uprising. The coalition included some other minor parties. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, BNP in short, continued with its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami formed for the national election of 2001 to participate in the 2008 election.Awami League to form grand alliance before election https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/320688/awami-league-to-form-grand-alliance-before 2026-01-21 Dhaka Tribune en Awami League-led coalition (Grand Alliance) The Bangladesh Awami League (AL) decided to participate in the 2008 parliamentary election under the name of "Grand Alliance" with the Jatiya Party led by General Ershad as its main partner. The AL contested the polls for 245 constituencies. Awami League conceded as many as 46 out of 300 parliamentary constituencies to Jatiya Party (JP). Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon contested for Dhaka-8, its general secretary Bimal Biswas for Narail-1, its politburo member Fazle Hossain Badsha for Rajshahi-2, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president Hasanul Haq Inu for Kushtia-2, its leaders Moinuddin Khan Badal for Chittagong-8, Rezaul Karim Tansen for Bogra-4, Shah Ahmed Jikrul for Brahmanbaria-5 and Gias Uddin for Mymensingh-9. The Awami League kept the Noakhali-1 constituency reserved, where the election has been postponed following the death of Ganatantri Party leader Mohammad Nurul Islam in a mysterious fire. The alliance has kept three more seats (Nilphamari-4, Khulna-3 and Sylhet-3) open for both AL and JP candidates to contest for. BNP-led coalition (4-Party Alliance) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies contested for 296 out of 300 in the 2008 election. The Election Commission cancelled candidacy of nominees of BNP in four constituencies. The BNP and its allies could not reach a consensus on sharing six constituencies. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami contested in the election in 38 constituencies although BNP agreed to offer Jamaat 34 seats. BNP conceded two seats each to its three smaller allies which were Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Islami Oikya Jote and Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam. BNP was able to place any candidate for four constituencies which were Barisal-1, Moulvibazar-2, Sirajganj-5 and Narail-2. However, two BNP rebels emerged as valid independent candidates in Barisal-1 and Moulvibazar-2. They were Jahiruddin Swapan in Barisal-1 and former lawmaker MM Shaheen in Moulvibazar-2. Formation of the caretaker government The BNP-Jamat led coalition government attempted to run an election in 2006. Awami League and other parties arranged various processions and strikes, protesting that the election result was pre-arranged in the government's favour. In course of time the clash between the Government and Opposition became very violent and in the Care-taker Government's period violence engulfed the nation. The president proclaimed his authority as the chief of the Care-Taker Government and eventually had to fall to the demand of the people. With the intervention of the Army the president had to resign from his Chief-Advisor's post and Fakhruddin Ahmed was appointed as the new chief adviser.12 January 2007 Bangladesh president appoints head of a new caretaker government http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-01-12-bangladesh_x.htm USA Today Associated Press 28 November 2015 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055742/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-01-12-bangladesh_x.htm live The media referred to Ahmed's government as "military-backed".McCain hails Bangladesh elections http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7762328.stm BBC News 3 December 2008 24 December 2008 7 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081207061942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7762328.stm live Stir against Islamist parties contesting Bangladesh polls http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/stir-against-islamist-parties-contesting-bangladesh-polls_100131436.html Thaindian News Indo-Asian News Service 16 December 2008 24 December 2008 24 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110524093906/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/stir-against-islamist-parties-contesting-bangladesh-polls_100131436.html live Das Antara 10 December 2008 The other general http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-other-general/396351/ The Indian Express The military-controlled government worked on a minus-two formula which meant ousting Hasina and Zia, who were two popular political leaders of the country. While all political activities were suspended under the state of emergency, the government aimed to recast the political system of the country with people of high national and international stature. In accordance with this plan, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus announced the foundation of a new party called Citizens' Power.http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006502326 Bangladesh Nobel Laureate Announces His Political Party's Name (archived) All Headline News 18 February 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070220050932/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006502326 20 February 2007 However, soon Yunus rejected entering politics, claiming a lack of support. Struggle for new elections On 5 April 2007, the country's Chief Election Commissioner, ATM Shamsul Huda, declared that the elections would need to be pushed back at least eighteen months.No B'desh polls 'for 18 months' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6529517.stm BBC News 5 April 2007 5 April 2007 3 July 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070703153508/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6529517.stm live On 12 April, Ahmed announced in a televised speech to the nation that the next parliamentary election would be held before the end of 2008.http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007035048 Chief Advisor Says Election In Bangladesh To Be Held Before End Of 2008 All Headline News 13 April 2007 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070929103021/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007035048 29 September 2007 dmy On 15 July 2007, the Bangladesh Election Commission published a road map for the election, promising a compilation of voter lists by October 2008 and an official election call before the end of that year.Liton Shakhawat 16 July 2007 Voter list by Oct '08, poll by Dec http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/07/16/d7071601011.htm The Daily Star 20 July 2007 18 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070818102242/http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/07/16/d7071601011.htm live The constitution of Bangladesh, however, provides holding election within 120 days of the formation of a caretaker government. After the election, the Jatiyo Sangshad had to elect the next president of Bangladesh. The presidential election should have taken place by 5 September 2007 when Iajuddin Ahmed's term expired. But the election was postponed as the Constitution of Bangladesh permits to delay the presidential election until a new Jatiyo Sangshad is formed.Dummet Mark 5 September 2007 Bangladesh president to continue http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6979350.stm BBC News 5 September 2007 4 September 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200904063846/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6979350.stm live On 9 September 2007, President Ahmed addressed the nation and recalled indoor politics with strict conditions to facilitate preparation for the election and reaffirmed his commitment to hold the election on time or earlier.Ban on indoor politics relaxed http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=3437 The Daily Star 10 September 2008 10 September 2007 7 November 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071107103428/http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=3437 live In early October, the Chief Election Commissioner Huda stated elections could be held by October 2008 if the electoral roll could be compiled by July 2008.http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6279766.html Bangladesh's elections may be held before October 2008 People's Daily 10 October 2007 11 October 2007 18 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080218073805/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6279766.html live Talks between the government and two smaller parties started on 22 May 2008, with the government indicating it would hold talks with all parties in short time.Bangladesh election talks begin http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7414519.stm BBC News 22 May 2008 22 May 2008 15 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081015063056/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7414519.stm live However, both the Awami League and the BNP declined to attend these talks as long as their leaders were still detained.Bangladesh parties decline talks http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7423353.stm BBC News 28 May 2008 28 May 2008 30 May 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080530064157/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7423353.stm live Voters lists were announced to be ready on 22 July 2008.Dummett Mark 22 July 2008 Bangladesh voters' lists 'ready http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7519619.stm BBC News 23 July 2008 23 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080723013435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7519619.stm live On 4 August 2008, mayor and city council elections were held in Sylhet, Khulna, Barisal and Rajshahi cities.Awami League wins B'desh election http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7542317.stm BBC News 5 August 2008 5 August 2008 6 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080806012321/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7542317.stm live BBC News reported that the candidates supported by the Awami League won twelve of the thirteen city corporations and municipalities voting, according to election commission officials. Finally, Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed announced on 21 September that the general election would be held on 18 December."Bangladesh's general election to be held on Dec. 18" https://web.archive.org/web/20110606090331/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6503151.html 6 June 2011 , Xinhua (People's Daily Online), 21 September 2008. thumb|250px|Election banners of candidates promoted across many cities in Bangladesh, 2008 The BNP called for a delay of the election until January 2009, while the Awami League was against such a delay. As a compromise, the election was postponed from 18 to 29 December.Dummett Mark 24 November 2008 Bangladesh election is deferred http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7745188.stm BBC News 24 November 2008 25 November 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081125014723/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7745188.stm live In a response to the demand of the major political parties, on 17 December 2008, the two-year-long state of emergency was lifted.People's Daily 11 December 2008 Bangladesh gov't to fully withdraw state of emergency from Dec. 17 http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6551177.html 12 December 2008 6 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110606085309/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6551177.html live Supreme Court ruling PartyNumber of candidateshttp://www.ecs.gov.bd/English/QLTemplate1.php?Parameter_QLSCat_ID%3D55%26ByDate%3D%26Year%3D Number of Candidates (Party-wise) Bangladesh Election Commission dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081225033936/http://www.ecs.gov.bd/English/QLTemplate1.php?Parameter_QLSCat_ID=55&ByDate=&Year= 25 December 2008 30 December 2009 Islamic Front Bangladesh2Islamic Movement Bangladesh160Islami Oikya Jote4United Citizens Movement11Krishak Shramik Janata League46Democratic Party5People's Front14Gano Forum45Jamaat-e-Ulama Islam Bangladesh7Zaker Party37National Democratic Party2Jatiya Party46Jatiya Party-JP7Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasad6Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rab)44National People's Party29Progressive Democratic Party21Freedom Party2Bangladesh Awami League259Bangladesh Islamic Front18Bangladesh Kalayan Party39Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan32Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis8Bangladesh Jatiya Party10Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP2Bangladesh Nationalist Party256Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami39Bangladesh Tarikat Federation31Bangladesh National Awami Party14Bangladesh National Awami Party-Bangladesh NAP5Bangladesh Muslim League5Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal57Workers Party of Bangladesh5Communist Party of Bangladesh38Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh5Bangladesher Samayabadi Dal (ML)1Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh62Liberal Democratic Party18Independent141Total:1538 Results The voter turnout of 80 percent was the highest in the history of Bangladeshi elections.Turnout rate in Bangladesh's ninth parliamentary election highest in history , Xinhua, 30 December 2008.http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bangladesh-polls-hasina-wins-by-landslide-majority/81600-2.html?from=rssfeed https://web.archive.org/web/20110522132318/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bangladesh-polls-hasina-wins-by-landslide-majority/81600-2.html?from=rssfeed dead 22 May 2011 Bangladesh polls: Hasina wins by landslide majority 30 December 2008 Associated Press IBN 30 December 2008 This was the first time elections used national ID cards with photographs to avoid fake voting, which was an UN-funded initiative to create a digital electoral roll.http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/dec/30sheikh-hasina-storms-to-power-in-bangladesh.htm Sheikh Hasina storms to power in Bangladesh 30 December 2008 Rediff 30 December 2008 28 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090228063050/http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/dec/30sheikh-hasina-storms-to-power-in-bangladesh.htm liveSheikh Hasina set for Bangladesh landslide https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gpmMQTjbXFfhpMmnU4vmZpkBWUug Agence France-Presse 30 December 2008 https://archive.today/20130124174321/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gpmMQTjbXFfhpMmnU4vmZpkBWUug 24 January 2013 31 December 2008 dead Prior to the elections, 11 million false names were removed from the voter lists. About 50,000 soldiers of Bangladeshi Army and 600,000 police officers were deployed to guard against election fraud and violence.Hasina wins Bangladesh majority http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7803785.stm BBC News 30 December 2008 30 December 2008 16 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090216215840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7803785.stm live However, two people were killed in post election violence.http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6564881.html 2 people killed in post-election violence in W Bangladesh 30 December 2008 People's Daily 30 December 2008 6 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110606090505/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/6564881.html live 300px 300pxSeats won by alliance (left) and party (right) General Women Total +/– Grand Alliance 6 Awami League 33634629 230 36 266 +204 Jatiya Party (Ershad) 4926360 27 4 31 +17 Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal 506605 3 0 3 +3 Workers Party of Bangladesh 262093 2 0 2 +2 Liberal Democratic Party 191679 1 0 1 New 39521366 263 40 303 +227 Four PartyAlliance 5 Bangladesh Nationalist Party 22757101 30 5 35 –158 Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 3289967 2 0 2 –15 Bangladesh Jatiya Party 173292 1 0 1 –3 Islami Oikya Jote 108415 0 0 0 –2 26328775 33 5 38 –178 Islami Andolan Bangladesh 658254 0 0 0 0 Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh 175245 0 0 0 0 Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh 146827 0 0 0 New Zaker Party 134933 0 0 0 0 Jatiya Ganotantrik Party 107796 0 0 0 New Krishak Sramik Janata League 102879 0 0 0 –1 Gano Forum 72911 0 0 0 0 Communist Party of Bangladesh 42331 0 0 0 0 Socialist Party of Bangladesh 38643 0 0 0 0 Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rab) 37350 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Islami Front 31785 0 0 0 0 Khelafat Majlish 27921 0 0 0 New Bangladesh National Awami Party 24141 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Kalayan Party 21609 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Tarikat Federation 19905 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan 16944 0 0 0 0 Progressive Democratic Party 14228 0 0 0 New National People's Party 10348 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Jatiya Party 8383 0 0 0 New Jatiya Party (Manju) 7818 0 0 0 –1 Bangladesh NAP 4365 0 0 0 New People's Front 4009 0 0 0 New United Citizens Movement 3542 0 0 0 New Ganatantri Party 2550 0 0 0 0 Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh 2021 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Muslim League 1113 0 0 0 0 Islamic Front Bangladesh 1020 0 0 0 New Bangladesh Freedom Party 566 0 0 0 New Communist Party of Bangladesh (ML) 297 0 0 0 0 Independents 2060392 4 0 4 –2 None of the above 381924 +45 636294 81087003 ECB, Asian Tribune By division Division Awami League BNP Jatiya Party JSD Jamaat BWP BJP LDP Independent Total seats Barisal 16 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 21 Chittagong 32 18 2 2 2 0 0 1 1 58 Dhaka 63 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 1 70 Khulna 30 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 36Mymensingh240000000024 Rajshahi 27 8 2 0 0 1 0 0 139 Rangpur2101200000033 Sylhet 17 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 Total 230 30 27 3 2 2 1 1 4 300Source: ECB Reactions section January 2025 IND Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh congratulated Sheikh Hasina on the landslide victory. Singh conveyed the message "I look forward to working with you towards this end for the mutual benefit of our two people".31 December 2008 Manmohan for close ties with Bangladesh http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/manmohan-for-close-ties-with-bangladesh/article1405119.ece The Hindu 28 November 2015September 2026 medicmedic India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, "I do hope that once the new government comes, we will discuss the existence of the problem (terrorism emanating from Bangladesh) with them and we will see what best can be done".India looks forward to working with Hasina govt. : PM http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200812301710.htm The Hindu 30 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103171810/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200812301710.htm 3 November 2012 30 December 2008 Other political parties of India, such as Bhartiya Janata Party, Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) also congratulated Sheikh Hasina.BJP hails Hasina's victory in Bangladesh http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812301710.htm The Hindu 30 December 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103171819/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812301710.htm 3 November 2012 30 December 2008Mamata congratulates Hasina http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812301607.htm The Hindu 30 December 2008 https://archive.today/20130125142620/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812301607.htm 25 January 2013 30 December 2008 dead US President of United States George W. Bush phoned Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Bangladesh. President Bush, who made the phone call at 6:40 pm Bangladesh time on 11 January, termed Hasina's success in the parliamentary election a "landslide victory", an official handout said. He said the verdict of the people of Bangladesh to establish non-communal democracy is notable. Prime Minister Hasina thanked the US president on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh and her party. She said the support and cooperation of the US, along with other countries, toward holding a free, fair and neutral election in Bangladesh was commendable. The principal enemy of Bangladeshi people was poverty, she said and hoped for US cooperation to build a poverty-free Bangladesh. The prime minister told the US president that terrorism was one of the main problems in South Asia. She stressed the need for taking an effective joint initiative to fight terrorism in the region.Bush phones Hasina to congratulate http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-70825 The Daily Star BSS 11 January 2009 15 November 2016 15 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161115133455/http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-70825 live UK The British prime minister Gordon Brown congratulated Sheikh Hasina on the election victory and her swearing-in as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, said a release of the British High Commission in Dhaka. Brown said, 'My congratulations on your victory. The UK values its close ties with Bangladesh and we look forward to working with your government to help you meet the expectations of your people. I hope that you will work with all parties to create a brighter future for Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary David Miliband, in the statement, urged the ruling party and the opposition to work together for nation building, shunning politics of confrontation and violence. "The Election Commission, caretaker government and observers have worked hard to create conditions in which free, fair and peaceful elections can take place. "The people of Bangladesh have spoken in huge numbers and they can be proud of the manner in which the elections were conducted", Miliband said in a statement released by the local British high commission. "This is a historic moment for Bangladesh to cast aside the politics of confrontation and violence, in favour of inclusive and consensual democracy", he added. Terming Britain as Bangladesh's friend, he said, "We urge the next government and opposition to work together to meet the expectations of the people in the days and years to come." Cherie Blair, the wife of former British prime minister Tony Blair, also greeted Sheikh Hasina for becoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh.World leaders greet Hasina http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=70519 The Daily Star Germany German chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a message of felicitation, the chancellor said she looks forward to further developing the relationship of trust and cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany, reports UNB. Merkel said Germany will continue to be a reliable partner of Bangladesh as it works to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and human rights.More world leaders greet Hasina http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=70654 The Daily Star 15 January 2009 29 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120929211146/http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=70654 live PRC Chinese premier Wen Jiabao has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her assumption of office of the prime minister, expressing the hope that a comprehensive partnership between Dhaka and Beijing would be raised to a new level, reports UNB. In a message of felicitation, Jiabao said Bangladesh and China are intimate and friendly close neighbours. He said since establishment of diplomatic relations 34 years ago, the two countries always maintain mutual understanding, trust and support to each other, and developed fruitful cooperation in every field. This cooperation, he said, has brought substantial benefits to the people of both the countries and made positive contributions to regional peace and development. The Chinese premier said through the joint efforts with Prime Minister Hasina bilateral relations as well as friendship and mutual cooperation would be strengthened further. In a separate message of felicitation to Foreign Minister Dr Dipumoni, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said it is the unswerving policy of the Chinese government to consistently strengthen and solidify friendly cooperation between China and Bangladesh.September 2024 Japan The Japanese foreign minister, Hirofumi Nakasone in a statement offered felicitations on the Awami League president, Sheikh Hasina's inauguration as the country's next prime minister, said a release of the Japan embassy. He said, "The Government of Japan congratulates on the inauguration of Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, President of the Awami League as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on January 6, 2009, following the general election on December 29, 2008". Nakasone said that this election was successfully carried out despite various challenges. "This exemplifies that a consolidation of democracy in Bangladesh is making a steady progress, marking a right start of a new democracy in Bangladesh", he said. The Japanese foreign minister said, "The Government of Japan hopes that the people of Bangladesh will be united in making efforts for further development of their country under the new Prime Minister elected in a democratic process. Japan will continue to support their endeavour".Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Inauguration of Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, New Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh https://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/PMposting060109.html Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh 6 January 2009 Switzerland President of the Swiss Confederation Hans-Rudolf Merz greeted new Bangla-deshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina .In a message to Hasina, the Swiss president, on behalf of the Swiss Federal Council, expressed his sincere congratulation and wished her every success in the eminent post. The message noted that "the recent elections are an important milestone in the history of Bangladesh. On this special occasion, the Swiss government reiterates its commitment to continue its support to the democratic, social and economic development in Bangladesh." Australia Australia welcomed Bangladesh's return to democracy after around two years following what it observed were 'peaceful and orderly' polls. "Australia encourages all parties to work together to ensure a smooth transition and a strong future for the people of Bangladesh", the Australian high commission said in a press statement yesterday. "The Australian government looks forward to working closely with the newly-elected government in areas of mutual interest." "These include trade and investment, development assistance, counter-terrorism, education, migration and tourism", said the statement.January 2025 Pakistan President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday sent congratulations to Sheikh Hasina Wajid on her victory. President Zardari expressed confidence that the close brotherly relations between the two countries would be strengthened further under her leadership. The prime minister said: "We wish you every success and the brotherly people of Bangladesh ever greater progress and prosperity."President, PM greet Hasina Wajid on electoral victory http://www.geo.tv/1-1-2009/31698.htm GEO Pakistan Karachi 1 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208043724/http://www.geo.tv/1-1-2009/31698.htm 8 December 2015 28 November 2015 Nepal Nepalese prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" in a message of congratulation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted that the recent elections in Bangladesh had ushered in a democratic governance and overwhelming people's support Hasina's party reflects their expectations to feel the real change. In this context, he said both Nepal and Bangladesh have similar experiences as the Nepali people have also displayed their keenness to build a new prosperous Nepal through the election of Constituent Assembly held last April. He said Nepal and Bangladesh can work together for achieving goals to consolidate bilateral relations and hoped that relations between the two countries would be further strengthened during the term of Sheikh Hasina. Mauritius Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam greeted Bangladesh's Premier Sheikh Hasina on the decisive victory by the Awami League-led grand alliance in the polls."I'm confident that under your leadership, the people of Bangladesh will realise their long cherished aspirants to make progress in a secular and democratic state-- a dream personified by your illustrious father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," the Mauritius PM said in a letter of felicitation to Hasina. UN Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, in a message on Thursday, extended his greeting to Sheikh Hasina for taking over as Bangladesh prime minister. The UN chief also hailed the people of Bangladesh for holding the national election in a peaceful manner for democratic transition. He appreciated the initiatives of Hasina for working together with all political parties to consolidate parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, according to a press release. Ban Ki-moon appreciated Bangladesh as some 9,000 Bangladeshi army and police personnel have taken part in various activities of the United Nations, particularly in the peacekeeping missions. The UN chief wished success of the Bangladesh's new prime minister and assured her of all-out cooperation. US U.S. State Department congratulated the Bangladesh Election Commission and government officials on the successful election.U.S. Congratulates Bangladesh For Holding Election Successfully All Headline News 30 December 2008 http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013564137 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090116054514/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013564137 16 January 2009 dmy A statement issued stated high voter turnout underscores the people's desire to see democracy restored.30 December 2008 Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina Wins Landslide Election http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-30-voa9.cfm Voice of America https://web.archive.org/web/20081231122623/http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-30-voa9.cfm 31 December 2008 30 December 2008 EU Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, European Union's chief election observer said "voting has largely been peaceful, turnout has been high and procedures were followed adequately". Transfer of power Following the announcement of the election results, Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as Prime Minister on 6 January 2009, formally ending the military-controlled caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed.Sheikh Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh PM https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-politics-idUSTRE5051H120090106 9 March 2026 Reuters Notes References General Bangladesh Category:General elections in Bangladesh