The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is, in practice, the most powerful political position in Bangladesh. The President of Bangladesh is considered senior to the Prime Minister, but holds a largely ceremonial role. The Prime Minister has effective control over the executive arm of government, and presides over the country's cabinet.

The Prime Minister is appointed by the President based on the situation in the Jatiya Sangsad (the Bangladeshi parliament). The Prime Minister will usually be the leader of the largest party (or coalition) in the Jatiya Sangsad, and must have the confidence of the Jatiya Sangsad to govern.

There is sometimes a certain amount of debate over who should be considered a Prime Minister. Mashiur Rahman governed under the title "Senior Minister", while Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Latifur Rahman headed caretaker governments under the title "Chief Adviser". Excluding caretaker leaders (but including Mashiur Rahman, the Senior Minister), there have been Prime Ministers of Bangladesh. One person, Khaleda Zia, has held the position on two non-consecutive occasions. She also holds the record for the longest total time served as Prime Minister. However, Sheikh Hasina Wajed narrowly holds the record for the longest unbroken premiership, with her term in office lasting a few weeks longer than Khaleda Zia's first term.