In the name of the Creator, the Merciful.]
We, the people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our independence on the 26th day of March, 1971 and through 2[a historic struggle for national liberation], established the independent, sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh;
3[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;
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.
CONTENTS
SECTIONS
2. The territory of the Republic
4. National anthem, flag and emblem
4A. Portrait of the Father of the Nation
7. Supremacy of the Constitution
7A. Offence of abrogation, suspension, etc . of the Constitution
7B. Basic provisions of the Constitution are not amendable
10. Socialism and freedom from exploitation
11. Democracy and human rights
12. Secularism and freedom of religion
14. Emancipation of peasants and workers
15. Provision of basic necessities
16. Rural development and agricultural revolution
17. Free and compulsory education
18. Public health and morality
18A. Protection and improvement of environment and biodiversity
21. Duties of citizens and of public servants
22. Separation of Judiciary from the executive
23A. The culture of tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities
25. Promotion of international peace, security and solidarity
26. Laws inconsistent with fundamental rights to be void
28. Discrimination on grounds of religion, etc.
29. Equality of opportunity in public employment
30. Prohibition of foreign titles, etc.
31. Right to protection of law
32. Protection of right to life and personal liberty
33. Safeguards as to arrest and detention
34. Prohibition of forced labour
35. Protection in respect of trial and punishment
39. Freedom of thought and conscience, and of speech
40. Freedom of profession or occupation
43. Protection of home and correspondence
44. Enforcement of fundamental rights
45. Modification of rights in respect of disciplinary law
46. Power to provide indemnity
47A. Inapplicability of certain articles
50. Term of office of President
52. Impeachment of the President
53. Removal of President on ground of incapacity
54. Speaker to act as President during absence, etc.
57. Tenure of office of Prime Minister
58. Tenure of office of other Ministers
60. Powers of local government bodies
62. Recruitment, etc., of defence services
65. Establishment of Parliament
66. Qualifications and disqualifications for election to Parliament
67. Vacation of seats of members
68.Remuneration, etc., of members of Parliament
69. Penalty for member sitting or voting before taking oath
70. Vacation of seat on resignation or voting against political party
71. Bar against double membership
73. President’s address and messages to Parliament
73A. Rights of Ministers as respects Parliament
74. Speaker and Deputy Speaker
75. Rules of procedure, quorum, etc.
76. Standing committees of Parliament
78. Privileges and immunities of Parliament and members
82. Recommendation for financial measures
83. No taxation except by or under Act of Parliament
84. Consolidated Fund and the Public Account of the Republic
85. Regulation of Public moneys
86. Moneys payable to Public Account of Republic
87. Annual financial statement
88. Charges on Consolidated Fund
89. Procedure relating to annual financial statement
91. Supplementary and excess grants
92. Votes of account, votes of credit, etc.
94. Establishment of Supreme Court
96. Tenure of office of Judges
97. Temporary appointment of Chief Justice
98. Additional Supreme Court Judges
99. Disabilities of Judges after retirement
101. Jurisdiction of High Court Division
102. Powers of High Court Division to issue certain orders and directions, etc.
103. Jurisdiction of Appellate Division
104. Issue and execution of processes of Appellate Division
105. Review of judgments or orders by Appellate Division
106. Advisory jurisdiction of Supreme Court
107. Rule-making power of the Supreme Court
108. Supreme Court as court of record
109. Superintendence and control over courts
110. Transfer of cases from subordinate courts to High Court Division
111. Binding effect of Supreme Court judgments
112. Action in aid of Supreme Court
114. Establishment of subordinate courts
115. Appointments to subordinate courts
116. Control and discipline of subordinate courts
116A. Judicial officers to be independent in the exercise of their functions
118. Establishment of Election Commission
119. Functions of Election Commission
120. Staff of Election Commission
121. Single electoral roll for each constituency
122. Qualifications for registration as voter
123. Time for holding elections
124. Parliament may make provision as to elections
125. Validity of election law and elections
126. Executive authorities to assist Election Commission
127. Establishment of office of Auditor-General
128. Functions of Auditor-General
129. Term of office of Auditor-General
131. Form and manner of keeping public accounts
132. Reports of Auditor General to be laid before Parliament
133. Appointment and conditions of service
135. Dismissal, etc. of civilian public officers
136. Reorganisation of service
137. Establishment of commissions
141A. Proclamation of emergency
141B. Suspension of provisions of certain articles during emergencies
141C. Suspension of enforcement of fundamental rights during emergencies
142. Power to amend any provision of the Constitution
144. Executive authority in relation to property, trade, etc.
146. Suits in name of Bangladesh
147. Remuneration, etc., of certain officers