Constituencies of Bangladesh

Constituencies of Bangladesh are electoral districts that elect members to the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament). Each constituency represents a geographical area and its population, ensuring representation in Bangladesh’s unicameral legislative system.

Structure and Number[edit | edit source]

Total Constituencies: 300 directly elected constituencies for general seats.
Reserved Seats for Women: 50 additional seats allocated proportionally to political parties based on election results.
Total Members of Parliament (MPs): 350.
Each constituency elects one MP via the first-past-the-post system.

Formation and Delimitation[edit | edit source]

Constituencies are drawn based on population density, administrative boundaries, and geographic considerations.
The Election Commission of Bangladesh is responsible for delimiting constituencies, ensuring fair representation.
Delimitation occurs periodically, often after a national census, to account for population shifts.

Electoral Process[edit | edit source]

General Elections: Held every five years or when the parliament is dissolved.
Voting System: First-past-the-post; the candidate with the most votes wins the constituency seat.
Eligibility: Citizens of Bangladesh aged 18 or older can vote.
Reserved Women Seats: Allocated to parties in proportion to the number of general seats they win; women are then nominated by the parties.

Significance[edit | edit source]

Constituencies ensure local representation in the national legislature.
MPs represent the interests of their constituency’s citizens in legislation, budget decisions, and oversight of government policies.
The system ensures that all regions of Bangladesh have a voice in parliamentary decision-making.

Examples of Constituencies[edit | edit source]

Dhaka-1, Dhaka-10: Constituencies in the capital city.
Chittagong-2, Chittagong-10: Important urban and port-area constituencies.
Panchagarh-1: Northern rural constituency.
Sylhet-3, Rajshahi-5: Examples of regional representation.

Each constituency has unique demographic, economic, and political characteristics, influencing election outcomes and party strategies.

Recent Developments[edit | edit source]

The 12th Jatiya Sangsad elections were held in 2024.
The 13th parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2026, with constituencies remaining the primary unit of electoral organization.
Political parties, including the Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), campaign across constituencies to secure representation in parliament.