Policy Database

Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Preamble

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
We, the people of Bangladesh, having resolved to establish a society based on the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, inspired by the teachings of Islam and the values of secularism, do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution, which shall serve as the supreme law of the land.

We declare our commitment to uphold the dignity of the individual, the unity and integrity of the nation, and the promotion of social justice and the welfare of all citizens. We affirm our belief in the peaceful coexistence of all religious communities, the protection of human rights, and the pursuit of prosperity for present and future generations.

Part I: The Republic

Article 1: Name and Nature of the State
1. The State shall be known as the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
2. Bangladesh is a sovereign, independent, and democratic republic, founded on the principles of Islamic ethics, secular governance, social justice, and the protection of national security and sovereignty.

Article 2: Sovereignty
1. The sovereignty of Bangladesh belongs to the people of Bangladesh, from whom all state power is derived and in whose name it shall be exercised.
2. The sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Bangladesh shall be inviolable. The State shall take all necessary measures to protect and defend the sovereignty of the nation.

Article 3: National Identity
1. The national identity of Bangladesh shall be rooted in its rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage, with Islam as a guiding moral and ethical force in public life.
2. The State shall respect and protect the cultural and religious diversity of its citizens, ensuring that all communities can coexist peacefully and with mutual respect.

Part II: Fundamental Rights

Article 4: Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
1. All citizens of Bangladesh shall enjoy the following fundamental rights and freedoms, which shall be protected by the State:
a. The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
b. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
c. The right to freedom of speech, expression, and assembly.
d. The right to equality before the law and equal protection under the law.
e. The right to education, healthcare, and an adequate standard of living.
f. The right to participate in the political, social, and economic life of the nation.

Article 5: Protection of Religious Freedom
1. Every individual shall have the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
2. The State shall ensure that no person is compelled to practice any religion or belief against their will.

Article 6: Equality and Non-Discrimination
1. All citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law.
2. The State shall not discriminate against any individual or group based on religion, race, ethnicity, gender, or social status.

Article 7: Protection of Human Dignity
1. The dignity of every person shall be inviolable. The State shall respect and protect human dignity and take measures to ensure that no individual is subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, or punishment.

Part III: Principles of State Policy

Article 8: Islamic Ethics and Moral Governance
1. The State shall be guided by the moral and ethical teachings of Islam in the pursuit of justice, compassion, and the common good.
2. The State shall promote the values of honesty, integrity, and accountability in public life, ensuring that governance is conducted with transparency and in the best interests of the people.

Article 9: Secular Governance
1. Bangladesh shall maintain a secular legal framework, where laws are made through democratic processes and apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
2. The State shall ensure the separation of religion and state functions, respecting the autonomy of religious institutions while protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Article 10: Social Justice and Economic Equity
1. The State shall work to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote social justice, ensuring that all citizens have access to basic necessities, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
2. The State shall ensure that economic development is inclusive and benefits all regions and communities, with special attention to the needs of the marginalized and disadvantaged.

Article 11: Environmental Stewardship
1. The State shall protect and preserve the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
2. The State shall promote sustainable development, the use of renewable resources, and measures to combat climate change.

Article 12: National Security and Sovereignty Protection
1. The State shall take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard the national security of Bangladesh, including the defense of its borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
2. The State shall maintain and develop a capable and professional armed force, along with security and intelligence agencies, to deter and respond to any threats to the nation’s security and sovereignty.
3. The State shall ensure that the military and security forces are subject to civilian oversight, operating in accordance with the Constitution and international law, and respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
4. The State shall promote a culture of peace, stability, and mutual respect within the region and the international community, actively working to prevent conflicts and uphold Bangladesh’s sovereignty through diplomacy and international cooperation.

Part IV: The State and Its Institutions

Article 13: The President
1. The President of Bangladesh shall be the Head of State and shall represent the unity of the nation.
2. The President shall exercise powers in accordance with the Constitution and shall act on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Article 14: The Prime Minister
1. The Prime Minister shall be the Head of Government and shall be responsible for the administration of the government and the implementation of state policy.
2. The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President and must command the confidence of the majority of the members of Parliament.

Article 15: The Parliament
1. The Parliament of Bangladesh shall consist of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. The Parliament shall have the power to make laws, approve the budget, and oversee the actions of the government.
3. Members of Parliament shall be elected by the people through free and fair elections.

Article 16: The Judiciary
1. The judiciary shall be independent and impartial, with the power to interpret and apply the law in accordance with the Constitution.
2. The judiciary shall protect the rights of all citizens and ensure that justice is administered fairly and without discrimination.

Article 17: The Civil Service
1. The civil service shall be a professional, merit-based, and non-partisan body, dedicated to serving the people of Bangladesh.
2. Civil servants shall be accountable to the people and shall perform their duties with integrity, efficiency, and transparency.

Part V: Local Government

Article 18: Local Governance
1. The State shall promote decentralization and local governance, empowering local communities to participate in decision-making and the management of their own affairs.
2. Local governments shall be elected by the people and shall have the authority to manage local resources, provide public services, and promote local development.

Part VI: National Unity and Social Harmony

Article 19: National Unity
1. The State shall promote national unity and social cohesion, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among all citizens.
2. The State shall take measures to prevent and resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation, and build a culture of peace and tolerance.

Article 20: Cultural Preservation and Promotion
1. The State shall protect and promote the cultural heritage of Bangladesh, including its languages, arts, literature, and traditions.
2. The State shall encourage cultural exchange and dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect among different communities.

Part VII: Amendment of the Constitution

Article 21: Amendment Procedure
1. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of both houses of Parliament.
2. Any amendment to the Constitution shall respect the fundamental principles of justice, equality, and human rights, and shall not undermine the democratic, secular, and sovereign character of the State.

Part VIII: Final Provisions

Article 22: Supremacy of the Constitution
1. This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the land, and any law, regulation, or action inconsistent with it shall be void.
2. All citizens, institutions, and authorities of the State shall respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution.

Article 23: Commencement
1. This Constitution shall come into force on the day it is adopted by the people of Bangladesh.

Article 24: Oath of Allegiance
1. All public officials, including the President, Prime Minister, members of Parliament, and judges, shall take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution, pledging to uphold its principles and to serve the people of Bangladesh with integrity and dedication.

Article 25: Interpretation
1. The interpretation of this Constitution shall be guided by the principles of justice, equality, and the welfare of the people, with due regard to the teachings of Islam and the values of secular governance.

Conclusion

May Allah guide and bless the people of Bangladesh as we strive to build a nation that embodies the values of justice, peace, and prosperity for all. We, the people of Bangladesh, commit ourselves to the principles enshrined in this Constitution and pledge to work together in the spirit of unity and harmony to achieve our common goals.