The Role of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Bangladesh: A Study on Dynamics of the Policy Process

Abstract

Policy process has become a crux issue for development initiatives and governance process with huge population burden and political instability in Bangladesh. Bangladesh emerged as an independent country since 16^th December, 1971. Prime Minister was the head of the government since independence of Bangladesh from 16^th December, 1971 to 25^th January, 1975. By the fourth amendment of the constitution of People’s Republic of Bangladesh passing on 25 January, 1975, Presidential form of government was introduced in the place of parliamentary form of government; one party system was familiarized in lieu of multi-party system. In addition to, the power of the Jatiya Sangsad were curtailed. By the amendment, President was the head of both the government and the state in the place of Prime Minister was the head of government. The Constitution of Bangladesh (1972) cites article 55 (1), “There shall be a Cabinet for Bangladesh having the Prime Minister at its head and comprising also such other Minister as the Prime Minister may from time to time designate”. In addition to, the Twelfth amendment was passed in the parliament on 6^th August, 1991 and restored parliamentary form of government and it is what the parliament it was before 25^th January, 1975. Prime Minister is the head of the executive, presided over the cabinet (highest apex body of policy decisions), have power to abolish or construct a new ministry or division without consultation of other designated authority or parliament and head of the party. Furthermore, he has strong influence to formulate any public policy.

Keywords: Rules of Business, Public Policy, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Policy Process, Cabinet.