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The Governor of East Pakistan, formerly known as the Governor of East Bengal, served as the appointed head of state of the provincial government in East Pakistan (previously East Bengal). The Governor functioned as the head of government during periods of Governor's Rule in East Pakistan, between 1954–1955 and 1958–1972, when the Provincial Assembly was dissolved. In periods when the Chief Minister held executive authority, the Governor primarily served as a ceremonial head of state.

Governor of East Pakistan
1955-1971
Governor of East Bengal
1947-1955
گورنر مشرقی پاکستان (Urdu)
পূর্ব পাকিস্তানের গভর্নর (Bengali)
گورنر مشرقی بنگال (Urdu)
পূর্ববঙ্গের গভর্নর (Bengali)
Longest serving
Abdul Monem Khan
28 October 1962 – 23 March 1969
Government of East Pakistan
StyleThe Honourable
TypeHead of province
StatusDefunct
AbbreviationGOEB
GOEP
Reports toPresident of Pakistan
Residence
SeatDhaka
NominatorPresident of Pakistan
AppointerPresident of Pakistan
Term lengthAt pleasure of the President
Precursor Governor of Bengal
Formation15 August 1947
First holderSir Frederick Chalmers Bourne
Final holderLieutenant general A. A. K. Niazi, PA
Abolished16 December 1971
Succession President of Bangladesh

Under Dominion of Pakistan (1947 – 1954)

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From 1947 to 1954, the governance of East Bengal was based on the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and Government of India Act 1935 - with certain adaptations, which provided the legal framework for provincial administration The office of the Governor of East Bengal was the highest executive authority in the province, acting as the representative of the Governor-General of Pakistan. The Governor was responsible for overseeing the administration, implementing federal directives, and maintaining law and order.

Appointment

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[1] The Governor of East Bengal was nominated and appointed by the Governor-General of Pakistan, who acted as the representative of the Head of State (originally King George VI, later Queen Elizabeth II until 1956, when Pakistan became a republic) under the Government of India Act 1935. The appointee was typically a senior bureaucrat, military officer, or politician with experience in governance. The Governor served at the pleasure of the Governor-General, meaning their term was not fixed and could be ended at any time. Before assuming duties, the Governor took an oath of allegiance to The state of Pakistan. and accept he Governor-General as the central executive authority and respect the laws and constitution governing East Bengal at the time. In the event of a vacancy, the Governor-General could appoint an acting Governor (usually the chief justice of Dhaka High Court) until a permanent replacement was selected.

Executive Authority of the Governor

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[2]The Governor was the representative of Governor-General in the province and held supreme executive authority. While he could delegate powers to subordinate officers, his authority remained separate from that of the Federal or Provincial Legislature. His executive powers extended to matters within the legislative competence of the Provincial Legislature, ensuring that administrative decisions aligned with existing laws. Additionally, any powers previously granted to courts, judges, officers, or local authorities under Pakistani laws remained unaffected by the Governor’s executive control. In cases where the Governor of a province is required to act at his discretion or exercise his individual judgment, he must follow the general control and specific directions, if any, given by the Governor-General in his discretion. However, any actions taken by the Governor cannot be challenged on the basis that they did not comply with this provision.

Council of Ministers[3]

A Council of Ministers, headed by chief minister to be appointed to assist the Governor in governance. The Governor exercised full control over the appointment and dismissal of ministers and served at his pleasure. The Governor shall, in his discretion, appoint from amongst the members of the Provincial Assembly a Chief Minister, who, in his opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Provincial Assembly. However, the Governor retained discretionary powers in specific matters. The Governor had the authority to preside over Council meetings at his discretion. If a dispute arose regarding whether a decision required the Governor’s individual judgment, his decision was final and could not be legally challenged. The Governor could override the advice of the Council in areas where he had special responsibilities or where the Act granted him discretionary powers.

If a minister was not a member of the Provincial Legislature for six consecutive months, they lost their position. Ministerial salaries were decided by provincial legislation, but in the absence of such a law, the Governor determined salaries, which could not be altered during a minister’s tenure. Ministerial advice to the Governor could not be questioned in court, ensuring that executive decisions remained beyond judicial scrutiny.

Special Responsibilities of the Governor[4]

In addition to his general administrative duties, the Governor had special responsibilities:

  • Maintenance of Law and Order: Preventing any serious threats to peace and stability in the province.
  • Protection of Minority Rights: Safeguarding the legitimate interests of minority communities.
  • Public Service Rights: Ensuring security and benefits for current and former public service employees.
  • Implementation of Legislative Principles: Ensuring that executive decisions aligned with the objectives of legislature.
  • Executing of Governor-General’s Orders

When carrying out special responsibilities, the Governor had sole discretion in decision-making. The Governor-General could issue directions to the Governor, but these directives could not be legally challenged.

Legislative Power

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[5]All executive actions of the Provincial Government were formally carried out in the name of the Governor. Any orders, official documents, or regulations had to be authenticated according to rules set by the Governor. Once properly issued, these documents could not be legally challenged based on procedural grounds. The Governor represented Governor-General in the legislature. Legislative chambers was bicameral The Governor also had a legislative role, acting as the constitutional head of the Provincial Assembly. His responsibilities included:

  • Summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Provincial Legislature.
  • Approving or vetoing legislation passed by the Assembly.
  • Ensuring provincial laws aligned with national policies.
  • Overseeing financial appropriations and budget approvals.

The Governor had the authority to reject provincial legislation if it was deemed inconsistent with national interests or security concerns.

The Governor had direct control over police regulations,[6] particularly concerning organization and discipline. In cases of threats to public order, he had the authority to:

  • Implement special security measures.
  • Issue directives allowing executive functions to be carried out at his discretion.
  • Authorize official participation in legislative discussions, though such officials had no voting rights.
  • Establish rules for the confidentiality of intelligence sources, ensuring that security information was shared only with authorized personnel.

The Governor was responsible for ensuring efficient governance by:

  • Establishing rules for administrative operations.
  • Structuring responsibilities among ministers.
  • Ensuring that ministers and secretaries regularly provided updates on provincial matters.
  • Requiring ministers to report important issues directly to him.

In all these responsibilities, the Governor acted at his discretion, after consultation with ministers.

Judicial Power

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[7]The province had an Advocate-General, appointed by the Governor:

  • Qualifications: The Advocate-General had to be qualified to serve as a High Court judge.
  • Duties: The Advocate-General provided legal advice to the government and carried out duties assigned by the Governor.
  • Tenure and Salary: The Advocate-General served at the Governor’s pleasure, with a salary determined by the Governor.

Governor's Rule 1954

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Under 1956 Constitution of Pakistan (1954–1958)

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Martial Law (1958–1962)

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Under 1962 Constitution of Pakistan (1962–1969)

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List of Governors

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Political Party

  Muslim League
  Krishak Sramik Party
  Independent

Legend

  Acting Governor
  Functioned and exercised power as Governor by the order of president without being appointed as one

Governor of East Bengal

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List of Governors of East Bengal
# Portrait Governor Term of office Political Party Governor General/

President

Term Start Term End Time in Office
1 Sir Frederick Chalmers Bourne

(1891-1977)

15 August 1947[8] 5 April 1950[8][9] 2 years, 233 days Independent

(British Administrator)

[-] Justice

A.S.M. Akram (Acting)[i]

(1888-1968)

16 March 1949[10] 25 April 1949[10] 40 days Independent Khawaja Nazimuddin
2 Sir Feroz Khan Noon

(1893-1970)

5 April 1950[11][12] 26 March 1953[11] 2 years, 355 days Muslim League
[-] Abdur Rahman Siddiqui

(Acting)[ii]

(1887-1953)

25 July 1952[13] 10 November 1952[13] 108 days Muslim League Malik Ghulam Muhammad
3 Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman

(1889-1973)

4 April 1953[14] 30 May 1954[iii][14] 1 year, 56 days Muslim League
4 Iskander Mirza

(1899-1969)

30 May 1954[iii][15] 21 September 1954[15] 114 days Muslim League
[-] Justice

Sir Thomas Hobart Ellis (Acting)[iv]

(1894-1981)

Appointment:[16]

21 September 1954

Sworn in:[16]

25 October 1954

22 December 1954[16] 92 days Independent
[-] Justice

Muhammad Shahabuddin (Acting)[v]

(1895-1971)

22 December 1954[17] 14 June 1955[vi][17] 174 days Independent
[-] Justice

Amiruddin Ahmad (Acting)[vii]

(1895-1965)

14 June 1955[18] As Governor of East Bengal:

14 October 1955

As Governor of East Pakistan:

9 March 1956[18]

As Governor of East Bengal:

122 days

As Governor of Eastern Wing:

269 days

Independent Malik Ghulam Muhammad
Iskander Mirza
  1. ^ A.S.M. Akram was appointed Acting Governor during the leave of absence of Sir Frederick Chalmers Bourne
  2. ^ Abdur Rahman Siddiqui was appointed Acting Governor during the leave of absence of Sir Feroz Khan Noon
  3. ^ a b With the dismissal of the United Front Ministry in East Bengal, Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad decided to enforce Governor's Rule in the province and appointed Iskander Mirza as Governor
  4. ^ Sir Thomas Hobart Ellis was appointed Acting Governor when Iskander Mirza was taken into the central cabinet as Minister
  5. ^ Muhammad Shahabuddin was appointed after Acting Governor after Sir Thomas Hobart Ellis
  6. ^ Justice Shahabuddin resigned due to differences of opinion about the restoration of parliamentary government in East Bengal
  7. ^ Justice Amiruddin Ahmad, Chief Justice of Dhaka High Court, was appointed acting Governor on the resignation of Justice Muhammad Shahabuddin

Governor of East Pakistan

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In late 1955, the prime minister Mohammad Ali Bogra initiated the One Unit policy which resulted in East Bengal province being renamed to East Pakistan

List of Governors of East Pakistan
# Portrait Governor Term of office Political Party President
Term Start Term End Time in Office
[-] Justice

Amiruddin Ahmad (Acting)[I]

(1895-1965)

As Governor of East Pakistan:

14 October 1955

As Governor of East Bengal:

June 14, 1955[19]

9 March 1956[19] As Governor of East Pakistan:

147 days

As Governor of Eastern Wing :

269 days

Independent Iskander Mirza
1 Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq

(1873 - 1962)

9 March 1956[20] 31 March 1958[II][20][21] 2 years, 22 days Krishak

Sramik Party

[-] Muhammad Hamid Ali

(Acting)[III]

(1906-1972)

1 April 1958[22][21] 3 May 1958[22][23] 32 days Independent
2 Sultanuddin Ahmad

(1902-1977)

Appointment:[24]

26 April 1958

Sworn in:[24][23]

3 May 1958

10 October 1958[IV][24][25] 160 days Independent
3 Zakir Husain

(1898-1971)

Appointment:[26]

10 October 1958

Sworn in:[26][25]

11 October 1958

14 April 1960[26] 1 year, 186 days Independent
4

Lieutenant general

Azam Khan, PA

(1908-1994)

15 April 1960[27] 10 May 1962[27] 2 years, 25 days Military Ayub Khan
[-] Syed Hashim Raza

(Acting)[V]

(1910-2003)

1 July 1961[28] 5 August 1961[28] 35 days Independent
5 Ghulam Faruque Khan

(1899-1992)

11 May 1962[29] 25 October 1962[VI][29] 167 days Independent
6 Abdul Monem Khan

(1899-1971)

28 October 1962[30] 23 March 1969[30] 6 years, 146 days
(Longest Serving) 		Muslim League
7 Mirza Nurul Huda

(1919-1991)

23 March 1969[31] 25 March 1969[VII][31] 2 days Independent
8

Major general

Muzaffaruddin, PA[VIII]

(Martial Law Administrator)

25 March 1969[32] 23 August 1969[32] 151 days Military Yahya Khan
9

Lieutenant general

Sahabzada Yaqub Khan, PA[IX]

(1920-2016)

(Martial Law Administrator)

23 August 1969[33] 1 September 1969[X][33] 9 days Military
10

Vice admiral

Syed Mohammad Ahsan, PN

(1921-1989)

1 September 1969[34] 1 March 1971[34] 1 year, 181 days Military
(11)

Lieutenant general

Sahabzada Yaqub Khan, PA[XI]

(1920-2016)

(Head of Civil Administration )

1 March 1971[33] 7 March 1971[33] 6 days Military
12

Lieutenant general

Tikka Khan, PA

(1915-2002)

Appointment:[35]

6 March 1971

Sworn in:[35]

7 March 1971

Officially announced:[35]

9 March 1971

3 September 1971[35] 180 days Military
13 Abdul Motaleb Malik

(1905-1977)

Appointment:[36]

31 August 1971

Sworn in:[36]

3 September 1971

14 December 1971[XII][36] 102 days Muslim League
14

Lieutenant general

A. A. K. Niazi, PA[XIII]

(1915-2004)

(Supreme Authority of East Pakistan)

14 December 1971[37] 16 December 1971[37] 2 days Military
  1. ^ Justice Amiruddin Ahmad, Chief Justice of Dhaka High Court, was appointed acting Governor on the resignation of Justice Muhammad Shahabuddin
  2. ^ President Iskander Mirza removed A. K. Fazlul Huq as governor on 31 March 1958 on the advice of the Noon cabinet for allegedly overstepping his limits as a constitutional Governor. Huq had dismissed Ataur Rahman's Ministry of Awami League that had not been defeated on the floor of the House, and had installed Mr. Abu Hussain Sarkar of his own party Krishak Sramik Party as Chief Minister.
  3. ^ Muhammad Hamid Ali, Chief Secretary to the Governor of East Pakistan, was appointed Acting Governor in pursuance of the provisions of Article 70 of the Constitution following the removal of Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq from the office
  4. ^ Sultanuddin Ahmad was removed from office on 10 October 1958 soon after the promulgation of Martial Law in Pakistan on 7 October
  5. ^ Syed Hashim Raza was Acting Governor of the province during the absence of General Azam Khan's official visit to West Germany
  6. ^ Unable to cope with the political problems of East Pakistan, Ghulam Faruque Khan resigned from office.
  7. ^ With the promulgation of Martial Law throughout Pakistan and the abrogation of the constitution in the evening of 25 March, Mirza Nurul Huda's tenure of governorship came to an abrupt end after just 60 hours.
  8. ^ On 25 March 1969 General A. M. Yahya Khan proclaimed martial law and divided the country into two administrative zones- West Pakistan (Zone 'A') and East Pakistan (Zone 'B'). Major general Muzaffaruddin was the GOC of the 14 Division, became Martial Law Administrator, Zone 'B'. On 8 April 1969, Yahya Khan issued an order directing that the Martial Law Administrators of Zone 'A' and 'B' would perform the functions and powers of the Governors of West and East Pakistan respectively. Thus Major general Muzaffaruddin became Martial Law Administrator and also exercised the powers and functions of Governor of East Pakistan.
  9. ^ Lieutenant general Sahabzada Yaqub Khan was appointed as Martial Law Administrator of Zone 'B' and exercised the powers and functions of the Governor of East Pakistan.
  10. ^ On 8 April 1969, President Yahya Khan issued an order directing that the Martial Law Administrators would perform the functions and powers of the Governor. However, a notification issued by the cabinet secretariat on 1 September 1969 cancelled the order of 8 April 1969 and directed Martial Law Administrators to refrain from performing the functions of Governor in their respective provinces with immediate effect. Lt. General Yaqub Khan remained Martial Law Administrator until Vice Admiral S. M. Ahsan took over as the new Governor of East Pakistan on 1 September 1969
  11. ^ Lt. general Sahabzada Yaqub Khan was made the "head of civil administration in the province" and exercised the functions and powers of Governor from 1 March 1971 until the arrival of Lt. general Tikka Khan on 7 March 1971.
  12. ^ Abdul Motaleb Malik along with his cabinet resigned on 14 December after realizing that Pakistani defeat was imminent and sought refuse in Hotel Intercontinental, seeking the protection of the Red Cross flag.
  13. ^ Lt. general A. A. K. Niazi was the commander of the Eastern Command of the Pakistan Army and as the supreme authority of Pakistan in its eastern wing functioned and exercised power as the Governor of East Pakistan after the resignation of Abdul Motaleb Malik during the last 48 hours of Bangladesh Liberation War

References

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  1. ^ "Appointment of Governor 48-(I) The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 34. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  2. ^ "Executive Authority of the Governor 49-(I) The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 34. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  3. ^ "Council of Ministers 50-(I) The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 35. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  4. ^ "Special Responsibilities of the Governorr 52-(I) The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 38. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  5. ^ "Conduct of business of Provincial Government 59-(A) The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 39. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 11 (help)
  6. ^ "Provitions as to police rules 56 The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 38. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  7. ^ "Advocate-General for Province. 55-1 The Government of India Act 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5. c. 42)" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. 2 August 1935. p. 38. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  8. ^ a b "frederick - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  9. ^ "স্যার ফেডরিকের স্বদেশ যাত্রা" [Sir Frederick's Journey Home]. The Azad (in Bengali). 6 April 1950. p. 1. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  10. ^ a b "akram - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  11. ^ a b "firozkhan - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  12. ^ "পূর্ব পাকিস্তানের নবনিযুক্ত গভার্নর এর ঢাকা আগমন" [The Newly Appointed Governor of East Pakistan Arrives in Dhaka]. The Azad (in Bengali). 6 April 1950. p. 1.
  13. ^ a b "abdurrahman - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  14. ^ a b "khaliquzzaman - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  15. ^ a b "iskandermirza - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  16. ^ a b c "hobartellis - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  17. ^ a b "shahabuddin - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  18. ^ a b "amiruddin - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  19. ^ a b "amiruddin - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  20. ^ a b "fazluhuq - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  21. ^ a b "করাচীর নির্দেশে পূর্ব পাকিস্তানের গভার্নর মিঃ ফজলুল হকের নাটকীয়ভাবে পদচ্যুত" [Governor of East Pakistan Mr. Fazlul Haq Dramatically Removed by Orders from Karachi]. The Jugantor (in Bengali). 1 April 1958. p. 1. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  22. ^ a b "hamidali - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  23. ^ a b "পূর্ব পাকিস্তানের নয়া গভর্নর" [The New Governor of East Pakistan]. The Azad (in Bengali). 3 May 1958. p. 1.
  24. ^ a b c "sultanuddin - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  25. ^ a b "Zakir Hussain installed as new governor". Bangladesh Observer (known as Pakistan Observer during Publication). 12 October 1958.
  26. ^ a b c "zakirhusain - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  27. ^ a b "azamkhan - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  28. ^ a b "hashimraza - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  29. ^ a b "faruque - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  30. ^ a b "monemkhan - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  31. ^ a b "nurulhuda - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-08. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  32. ^ a b "muzaffar - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  33. ^ a b c d "yaqubkhan - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  34. ^ a b "ahsan - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  35. ^ a b c d "tikkakhan - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  36. ^ a b c "malik - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
  37. ^ a b "niazi - THE BANGABHABAN : The President House of Bangladesh". web.archive.org. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
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