Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

We, the people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our independence on the 26th day of March, 1971 and through a historic struggle for national liberation, established the independent, sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh;

Pledging that the high ideals of nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism, which inspired our heroic people to dedicate themselves to, and our brave martyrs to sacrifice their lives in, the national liberation struggle, shall be the fundamental principles of the Constitution;

Further pledging that it shall be a fundamental aim of the State to realise through the democratic process a 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;

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.

Article 1: Bangladesh is a unitary, independent, sovereign Republic to be known as the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Article 2: The territory of the Republic shall comprise the territories of Bangladesh existing on the 26th day of March, 1971.
Article 2A: The state religion is Islam, but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony.
Article 3: The state language is Bengali.
Article 7: Supremacy of the Constitution — this Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic, and any law inconsistent with it shall be void.

Part II enshrines Fundamental Principles of State Policy: nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism (Article 8–12). The State shall ensure emancipation of peasants and workers (Art.14), free and compulsory education (Art.17), public health, and equality of opportunity.

Article 27: All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.
Article 28: Discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth is prohibited.
Article 31: Right to protection of law.
Article 32: Protection of right to life and personal liberty.
Article 33: Safeguards as to arrest and detention.
Article 34: Prohibition of forced labour.
Article 35: Protection in respect of trial and punishment.
Article 36: Freedom of movement.
Article 37: Freedom of assembly.
Article 38: Freedom of association.
Article 39: Freedom of thought, conscience and speech.
Article 40: Freedom of profession or occupation.
Article 41: Freedom of religion.
Article 42: Rights to property.
These rights are enforceable through the High Court Division under Article 44.

Article 48: The President is the Head of State and the Supreme Commander of the defence services.
Article 55: There shall be a Cabinet for Bangladesh with the Prime Minister at its head. The executive power shall be exercised by or on the authority of the Prime Minister.
Article 56: Ministers shall be appointed by the President, and not less than nine-tenths shall be from Parliament.
Article 64: The Attorney-General shall be appointed by the President.

Chapter III establishes Local Government (Art.59–60); Chapter IV The Defence Services; Chapter V The Attorney-General.

Article 65: There shall be a Parliament for Bangladesh (Jatiya Sangsad) consisting of 300 members elected by direct vote, and 50 reserved seats for women.
Article 70: A member shall vacate his/her seat if he/she votes against the party.
Article 80: Legislative procedure and passing of Bills.
Article 93: Ordinance making power of the President when Parliament is not in session.
Parliament controls finances, standing committees, and may establish an Ombudsman (Art.77).

Article 94: There shall be a Supreme Court comprising the Appellate Division and the High Court Division.
Article 102: The High Court Division has power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, quo warranto — enforcing fundamental rights.
Article 111: Judgments of the Supreme Court are binding on all subordinate courts.
Article 116A: Judicial officers shall be independent in the exercise of their functions.
Administrative Tribunals (Article 117) ensure service disputes are resolved.

Article 118: Establishment of Election Commission, headed by a Chief Election Commissioner.
Article 119: Functions include preparation of electoral rolls, holding elections, and ensuring free and fair polls.
Article 127-132: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits all public accounts and reports to Parliament.

Articles 133-141: Public service commissions, terms and conditions, dismissal protections.
Article 141A: Proclamation of emergency in case of war or external aggression.
Article 142: Power to amend the Constitution — but the preamble, basic structure, and fundamental principles cannot be destroyed (Article 7B).
Part X: Amendment requires a special majority in Parliament.

Articles 143-153: Property of the Republic, international treaties (Article 145A), oaths of office, interpretation and repeal. The Schedule contains the affirmation of the Constituent Assembly and the formal adoption of the Constitution on the 4th November 1972. It declares the unity and integrity of Bangladesh.

“This Constitution is the sacred document of our liberation — embodying nationalism, democracy, socialism and secularism.”

✦ In the name of the Creator, the Merciful ✦

We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and the dignity of every citizen. The Constitution of Bangladesh is not merely a set of articles — it is the soul of the nation.

"Let us uphold, protect and defend this Constitution."