Presidential elections were held in
Bangladesh on 3 June 1978. They were the first
direct elections for the
presidency, as the president had previously been elected by the
Jatiya Sangsad.[1] The result was a victory for
Ziaur Rahman, who received 76.6% of the vote. Turnout was 54.3%.[2]
M. A. G. Osmani was also supported by an alliance of six parties under the name Ganatantrik Oikkya Jote (United Democratic Alliance). The alliance consisted of the
Awami League, the
Communist Party, the Gano Adaji League, the Jatiya Janata Party, the
National Awami Party (Muzaffar) and the People's League.[3]