Bangladesh University of Professionals
Department of English
Term paper on
Constitution of Bangladesh
Course Name: Bangladesh Studies
Course Code: ENG-1002
Submitted By: Submitted To:
Sadia Jannat Shifa Prof. Dr. AKM Jasim Uddin
Roll: 2015931037 Jahangirnagar University
Batch: 05
Faculty of Arts and Social Science
Date of Submission:
31th May 2020
Executive Summary:
This term paper is an assigned job as fulfillment of course requirement honorable Prof. Dr. AKM
Jasim Udiin. It provides the framework of the Bangladeshi republic with a parliamentary
government, fundamental human rights and freedoms, an independent judiciary, democratic local
government and a national bureaucracy. The constitution includes references to socialism, Islam,
secular democracy and the Bengali language. Judicial precedent is enshrined in Bangladesh's
constitution under Article 111, which makes Bangladesh an integral part of the common law
world. Judicial review is also supported by the constitution.
INDEX
Topic
1. Introduction
2. Preamble
3. Parts of the Constitution of Bangladesh
4. Conclusion
5. Recommendations
6. References
Introduction
A Constitution refers to the basic principles and laws of a nation or State that determine the
powers and duties of the government and also provides the platform or base for determining the
fundamental rights and duties of the people in it a written/ unwritten form embodying the rules of
a political or social organizations of a particular nation and its respective states. The Constitution
of the People's Republic of Bangladesh is the constitutional document of Bangladesh. It was
adopted on 4 November 1972 and effective from 16 December 1972. The Constitution Bill was
introduced in the Assembly on 12 October. The Provisional Government of Bangladesh issued
the Proclamation of Independence on 10 April 1971, which served as the interim first
constitution of Bangladesh. It declared “equality, human dignity and social justice” as the
fundamental principles of the republic. The Constitution Bill was introduced in the Assembly on
12 October. Its first reading began on 19 October and continued till 30 October. The second
reading took place from 31 October to 3 November. Firstly the Constitution was made by hand
written. From 1972 to 2020 the Constitution was amended 17times and it has 11 parts. It
commits Bangladesh to “contribute to international peace and co-operation in keeping with the
progressive aspirations of mankind”. The constitution has several controversial elements like
Article 70
Preamble
Pledging that the high ideals of absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah, nationalism,
democracy and socialism meaning economic and social justice, which inspired our heroic people
to dedicate themselves to, and our brave martyrs to sacrifice their lives in the war for national
independence, shall be fundamental principles of the Constitution; Further pledging that it shall
be a fundamental aim of the State to realize through the democratic process to socialist society,
free from exploitation-a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom,
equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens; Affirming
that it is our sacred duty to safeguard, protect and defend this Constitution and to maintain its
supremacy as the embodiment of the will of the people of Bangladesh so that we may prosper in
freedom and may make our full contribution towards international peace and co-operation in
keeping with the progressive aspirations of mankind; In our Constituent Assembly, this
eighteenth day of Kartick, 1379 B.S corresponding to the fourth day of November, 1972 A.D.,
do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.
Parts of the Constitution of Bangladesh
• Part 1: The Republic
➢ The Republic and The Territory of Republic
➢ The state language
➢ National Anthem, Flag, Emblem
➢ The Capital
➢ Citizenship
➢ Supremacy of the Constitutions
➢ Fundamental Principles
➢ Participation of Women in National Life
• Part 2: Fundamental principles of state policy
➢ Democracy and Human Rights
➢ Principle of Ownership
➢ Provision of Basic Necessity
➢ Rural Development and Agricultural Revolution
➢ Free and Compulsory Education
➢ Public Health and Morality
➢ Equality of opportunity
➢ Duties of Citizens of Public Services
➢ National Culture and National Monuments
• Part 3: Fundamental rights.
➢ Law Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights to void
➢ Discriminations on Grounds of Religion
➢ Right to Protection of Law
➢ Prohibition of Forced Labor
➢ Freedom of Movement
➢ Freedom of Religion
• Part 4: The Executive.
➢ The President
➢ The Prime Minister and Cabinet
➢ Local Government
➢ Defense Services
➢ Attorney General
• Part 5: The Legislature
➢ Parliament
➢ Legislative and Financial Procedures
➢ Ordinance making powers
• Part 6: The Judiciary
➢ The Supreme Court
➢ Subordinate Courts
➢ Administrative Tribunals
• Part 7: Elections
➢ Establishment of Election Commission
➢ Function of Election Commission
➢ Qualification for Registration as Voter
➢ Validity of Election Law and Election
• Part 8: The Comptroller and Auditor General
➢ Establishment of Office of Auditor General
➢ Function of Auditor General
➢ Term of Office of Auditor General
• Part 9: The Services of Bangladesh
➢ Services
➢ Public Services Commissions
• Part 10: Amendments of the Constitutions
➢ Power to Amend any Provision of the Constitution
• Part 11: Miscellaneous
➢ Property of the Republic
➢ International Treaties
➢ Contracts and Deeds
➢ Oaths of Offices
Conclusion
A Constitution is a legal body that defines and regulates law in a country. Any constitution
serves a particular purpose at a particular time for a country. The Constitution of Bangladesh has
been adopted and accepted by the people of Bangladesh and it is the reflection of the
aspirations. It is the highest ruling of Bangladesh and it represents Bangladesh as a democratic
Republic nation. The Constitution is important because it protects individual freedom, and its
fundamental principles govern Bangladesh. The Constitution places the Government's power in
the hands of the citizens. It limits the power of the government and establishes a system of
checks and balances.
Recommendations
Constitution are made for the betterments of citizens. But in some cases people are deprived
from rights and facilities and so some measures should be taken. Like
• As Constitution of Bangladesh is the remark of all the people of Bangladesh it also duty
of this very people to obey it. Due to poverty and the absence of any legal aid most of the
poor people cannot enjoy their rights.
• Some specific rules should be included in the constitutions for the better implications
• Some corrections for the better basic needs and rights
• Laws should be maintained strictly according to the constitution
References:
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Bangladesh
• http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/bgd117108E.pdf
• https://www.academia.edu/37201088/Bangladesh_Constitution_Features_and_Amendme
nts
• http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-367.html
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