First Lady of Bangladesh

First Lady of Bangladesh is the unofficial title given to the spouse of the president of Bangladesh. Prominent former first ladies include former prime minister Khaleda Zia[1] and former opposition leader Rowshan Ershad.[2] The incumbent first lady is Rebecca Sultana.

First Lady of Bangladesh
Incumbent
Rebecca Sultana
since 24 April 2023
ResidenceBangabhaban
AppointerPresident of Bangladesh
Term lengthFive years, renewable once
Inaugural holderSheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib
Formation26 March 1971 (1971-03-26)

The title should not be confused with the husband or wife of the prime minister of Bangladesh. Rashida Hamid was the longest serving First Lady of Bangladesh.

Duties

Duties of the first lady are receiving foreign leaders along with the president, conversing with the spouse of the foreign leader, being a role model for the people of the nation, promoting of policies by the government urging public support of policies, and advocating for socio-economic change. An example of this is Rowshan Ershad who called for improvements in women's rights.[3]

Appointment

The first lady takes up her role and office after the inauguration of the president of Bangladesh who is appointed by the Jatiya Sangsad. After the inauguration she resides with her husband at Bangabhaban.

List of first ladies
Name Term President Party
Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib 17 April 1971 – 12 January 1972
25 January 1975 – 15 August 1975		 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Awami League
Khaleda Zia 21 April 1977 – 30 May 1981 Ziaur Rahman Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Rowshan Ershad 11 December 1983 – 6 December 1990 Hussain Mohammad Ershad National Party
Hosne Ara Rahman 10 October 1991 – 9 October 1996 Abdur Rahman Biswas Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Anowara Begum 9 October 1996 – 11 November 2001 Shahabuddin Ahmed Independent
Hasina Warda Chowdhury 14 November 2001 – 21 June 2002 AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Anwara Begum 6 September 2002 – 15 February 2009 Iajuddin Ahmed Independent
Vacant 12 February 2009 – 20 March 2013 Zillur Rahman (Widower) Awami League
Rashida Hamid 24 April 2013 – 24 April 2023 Abdul Hamid Awami League
Rebecca Sultana 24 April 2023 – Present Mohammed Shahabuddin Awami League

References
  1. "Profile: Khaleda Zia". BBC News. Retrieved 2017-08-01.
  2. "Rowshan Ershad to be opposition leader". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2017-08-01.
  3. President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Hussain Muhammad Ershad, First Lady Begum Raushan Ershad - Pamphlet. Padma Printers Bangladesh. pp. 28–31.
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