Chief Adviser of Bangladesh

The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh is the head of the interim government, tasked with overseeing the transition between elected governments. This role is crucial during periods of political instability or when regular elections cannot be held.

Chief Adviser
Native Name	প্রধান উপদেষ্টা
Incumbent	Position abolished
Style	His Excellency
Type	Head of the Caretaker Government
Status	Abolished
Member of	Caretaker Government of Bangladesh
Residence	Gonobhaban
Seat	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Appointer	President of Bangladesh
Term Length	90 days (maximum)
Constituting Instrument	Constitution of Bangladesh
Precursor	Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Inaugural	Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman
Formation	1996
First	Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman
Last	Fakhruddin Ahmed
Abolished	2011
Superseded By	Prime Minister of Bangladesh

History

The position of Chief Adviser was first established in 1991 through the 13th amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh. This system was introduced to ensure free and fair elections following the end of military rule under Hussain Muhammad Ershad. The Chief Adviser is typically a politically neutral figure, often a retired Chief Justice, appointed to lead the caretaker government.

Recent Developments

In 2024, Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the Chief Adviser after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amid a student-led uprising. Yunus’s appointment marked a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history, emphasizing the need for neutral leadership during times of crisis.