Constitution of Bangladesh Overview
Constitution of Bangladesh Overview
1[BISMILLAH-AR-RAHMAN-AR-RAHIM
PREAMBLE
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.
PART I
THE REPUBLIC
The state 5[2A. The state religion of the Republic is Islam, but the State shall ensure
religion
equal status and equal right in the practice of the Hindu, Buddhist,
National 4. (1) The national anthem of the Republic is the first ten lines of “Amar
anthem,
Sonar Bangla”.
flag and
emblem (2) The national flag of the Republic shall consist of a circle, coloured red
(3) The national emblem of the Republic is the national flower Shapla
paddy and being surmounted by three connected leaves of jute with two
Portrait of 7[4A. The Portrait of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh
the Father
Mujibur Rahman shall be preserved and displayed at the offices of the
of the
Nation President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker and the Chief Justice and in
Bangladesh abroad.]
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law.
Supremacy 7. (1) All powers in the Republic belong to the people, and their exercise
of the
on behalf of the people shall be effected only under, and by the authority
Constitution
of, this Constitution.
(2) This Constitution is, as the solemn expression of the will of the people,
the supreme law of the Republic, and if any other law is inconsistent with
this Constitution that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be
void.
Offence of 10[7A. (1) If any person, by show of force or use of force or by any other
abrogation,
un-constitutional means-
suspension,
etc . of the (a) abrogates, repeals or suspends or attempts or conspires to abrogate,
Constitution
repeal or suspend this Constitution or any of its article ; or
his such act shall be sedition and such person shall be guilty of sedition.
(3) Any person alleged to have committed the offence mentioned in this
article shall be sentenced with the highest punishment prescribed for other
Basic
provisions
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of the
7B. Notwithstanding anything contained in article 142 of the Constitution,
Constitution
are not the preamble, all articles of Part I, all articles of Part II, subject to the
amendable
provisions of Part IXA all articles of Part III, and the provisions of articles
PART II
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY
(2) The principles set out in this Part shall be fundamental to the
other laws of Bangladesh, and shall form the basis of the work of the State
Nationalism 12[9. The unity and solidarity of the Bangalee nation, which, deriving its
identity from its language and culture, attained sovereign and independent
Democracy 11. The Republic shall be a democracy in which fundamental human rights
and human
and freedoms and respect for the dignity and worth of the human person
rights
shall be guaranteed 14[* * *] 15[, and in which effective participation by the
shall be ensured].
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particular religion.]
Principles 13. The people shall own or control the instruments and means of
of
production and distribution, and with this end in view ownership shall
ownership
assume the following forms –
(a) state ownership, that is ownership by the State on behalf of the people
Provision of
15. It shall be a fundamental responsibility of the State to attain, through
basic
necessities planned economic growth, a constant increase of productive forces and a
(a) the provision of the basic necessities of life, including food, clothing,
(d) the right to social security, that is to say, to public assistance in cases
Rural 16. The State shall adopt effective measures to bring about a radical
development
and transformation in the rural areas through the promotion of an agricultural
agricultural revolution, the provision of rural electrification, the development of cottage
revolution
and other industries, and the improvement of education, communications
disparity in the standards of living between the urban and the rural areas.
Free and 17. The State shall adopt effective measures for the purpose of –
compulsory
education (a) establishing a uniform, mass oriented and universal system of
Public 18. (1) The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the
health and
improvement of public health as among its primary duties, and in particular
morality
shall adopt effective measures to prevent the consumption, except for
of alcoholic and other intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious
to health.
(2) The State shall adopt effective measures to prevent prostitution and
gambling.
Protection 17[18A. The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment
and
and to preserve and safeguard the natural resources, bio-diversity,
improvement
of wetlands, forests and wild life for the present and future citizens.]
environment
and
biodiversity
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Equality of 19. (1) The State shall endeavour to ensure equality of opportunity to all
opportunity
citizens.
(2) The State shall adopt effective measures to remove social and
economic inequality between man and man and to ensure the equitable
Work as a 20. (1) Work is a right, a duty and a matter of honour for every citizen who
right and
is capable of working, and everyone shall be paid for his work on the basis
duty
of the principle “from each according to his abilities, to each according to
his work”.
which human labour in every form, intellectual and physical, shall become
Duties of 21. (1) It is the duty of every citizen to observe the Constitution and the
citizens and
laws, to maintain discipline, to perform public duties and to protect public
of public
servants property.
(2) Every person in the service of the Republic has a duty to strive at all
Separation 22. The State shall ensure the separation of the judiciary from the
of Judiciary
executive organs of the State.
from the
executive
National 23. The State shall adopt measures to conserve the cultural traditions and
culture
heritage of the people, and so to foster and improve the national language,
literature and the arts that all sections of the people are afforded the
The culture 19[23A. The State shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local
of tribes,
culture and tradition of the tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and
minor
races, communities.]
ethnic sects
and
communities
National 24. The State shall adopt measures for the protection against
monuments,
disfigurement, damage or removal of all monuments, objects or places of
etc.
special artistic or historic importance or interest.
Promotion 25. 20[***] The State shall base its international relations on the principles
of
of respect for national sovereignty and equality, non interference in the
international
peace, internal affairs of other countries, peaceful settlement of international
security
disputes, and respect for
and
solidarity international law and the principles enunciated in the United Nations
(a) strive for the renunciation of the use of force in international relations
(b) uphold the right of every people freely to determine and build up its
own social, economic and political system by ways and means of its own
(c) support oppressed peoples throughout the world waging a just struggle
21[***]
PART III
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Laws 26. (1) All existing law inconsistent with the provisions of this Part shall, to
inconsistent
with the extent of such inconsistency, become void on the commencement of
fundamental this Constitution.
rights to be
void (2) The State shall not make any law inconsistent with any provisions of
this Part, and any law so made shall, to the extent of such inconsistency,
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be void.
Equality 27. All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of
before law
law.
Discrimination 28. (1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only
on grounds
of religion, of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
etc.
(2) Women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the State and
of public life.
(3) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of
birth be subjected to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with
(4) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making special
Equality of 29. (1) There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in respect of
opportunity
employment or office in the service of the Republic.
in public
employment (2) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of
the Republic;
(b) giving effect to any law which makes provision for reserving
(c) reserving for members of one sex any class of employment or office on
Prohibition 23[30. No citizen shall, without the prior approval of the President, accept
of foreign
any title, honour, award or decoration from any foreign state.]
titles, etc.
Right to 31. To enjoy the protection of the law, and to be treated in accordance with
protection
law, and only in accordance with law, is the inalienable right of every
of law
citizen, wherever he may be, and of every other person for the time being
Safeguards 24[33. (1) No person who is arrested shall be detained in custody without
as to arrest
being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest, nor
and
detention shall he be denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal
hours of such arrest, excluding the time necessary for the journey from the
place of arrest to the Court of the magistrate, and no such person shall be
magistrate.
(3) Nothing in clauses (1) and (2) shall apply to any person–
(b) who is arrested or detained under any law providing for preventive
detention.
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(4) No law providing for preventive detention shall authorise the detention
Court and the other shall be a person who is a senior officer in the service
person, reported before the expiration of the said period of six months that
(5) When any person is detained in pursuance of an order made under any
law providing for preventive detention, the authority making the order shall,
the order has been made, and shall afford him the earliest opportunity of
Provided that the authority making any such order may refuse to disclose
disclose.
Prohibition 34. (1) All forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of
of forced
this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.
labour
Protection 35. (1) No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of
in respect
a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an
of trial and
punishment offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than, or different from, that
which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the
(2) No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence
(3) Every person accused of a criminal offence shall have the right to a
established by law.
against himself.
(6) Nothing in clause (3) or clause (5) shall affect the operation of any
Freedom of 36. Subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the public
movement
interest, every citizen shall have the right to move freely throughout
Bangladesh, to reside and settle in any place therein and to leave and re-
enter Bangladesh.
Freedom of 37. Every citizen shall have the right to assemble and to participate in
assembly
public meetings and processions peacefully and without arms, subject to
or public health.
Freedom of 25[38. Every citizen shall have the right to form associations or unions,
association
subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of
(a) it is formed for the purposes of destroying the religious, social and
language ;
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(d) its formation and objects are inconsistent with the Constitution.]
(a) the right of every citizen to freedom of speech and expression; and
are guaranteed.
Freedom of 40. Subject to any restrictions imposed by law, every citizen possessing
profession
or such qualifications, if any, as may be prescribed by law in relation to his
occupation profession, occupation, trade or business shall have the right to enter upon
business.
religion;
Rights to 42. (1) Subject to any restrictions imposed by law, every citizen shall have
property
the right to acquire, hold, transfer or otherwise dispose of property, and no
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by authority of law.
26[(2) A law made under clause (1) of this article shall provide for the
such law shall be called in question in any court on the ground that any
Protection 43. Every citizen shall have the right, subject to any reasonable restrictions
of home
imposed by law in the interests of the security of the State, public order,
and
correspondencepublic morality or public health –
(a) to be secured in his home against entry, search and seizure; and
communication.
Enforcement 27[44. (1) The right to move the High Court Division in accordance with
of
fundamental clause (1) of article 102, for the enforcement of the rights conferred by this
rights Part is guaranteed.
(2) Without prejudice to the powers of the High Court Division under article
102, Parliament may by law empower any other court, within the local
Modification 45. Nothing in this Part shall apply to any provision of a disciplinary law
of rights in
respect of relating to members of a disciplined force, being a provision limited to the
disciplinary purpose of ensuring the proper discharge of their duties or the
law
maintenance of discipline in that force.
such area.
Saving for 47. (1) No law providing for any of the following matters shall be deemed
certain laws
to be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with, or takes away or
permanently;
other undertakings;
voting rights of persons owning shares or stock (in whatever form) therein;
or
to any of the fundamental principles of state policy set out in Part II of this
Constitution.
specified in the First Schedule (including any amendment of any such law)
shall continue to have full force and effect, and no provision of any such
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law, nor anything done or omitted to be done under the authority of such
prisoner of war, for genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes and
ever to have become void or unlawful, on the ground that such law or
provision of any such law is inconsistent with, or repugnant to, any of the
provisions of this Constitution.]
Inapplicability 31[47A. (1) The rights guaranteed under article 31, clauses (1) and (3) of
of certain
articles article 35 and article 44 shall not apply to any person to whom a law
whom a law specified in clause (3) of article 47 applies shall have the right
to move the Supreme Court for any of the remedies under this
Constitution.]
PART IV
THE EXECUTIVE
32 CHAPTER I
THE PRESIDENT
The 48. (1) There shall be a President of Bangladesh who shall be elected by
President
members of Parliament in accordance with law.
(2) The President shall, as Head of State, take precedence over all other
persons in the State, and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties
conferred and imposed on him by this Constitution and by any other law.
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(3) In the exercise of all his functions, save only that of appointing the
Prime Minister pursuant to clause (3) of article 56 and the Chief Justice
pursuant to clause (1) of article 95, the President shall act in accordance
Provided that the question whether any, and if so what, advice has been
tendered by the Prime Minister to the President shall not be enquired into
in any court.
(c) has been removed from the office of President by impeachment under
this Constitution.
(5) The Prime Minister shall keep the President informed on matters of
domestic and foreign policy, and submit for the consideration of the
Cabinet any matter which the President may request him to refer to it.
Prerogative 49. The President shall have power to grant pardons, reprieves and
of mercy
respites and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any
Term of 50. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the President shall
office of
hold office for a term of five years form the date on which he enters upon
President
his office:
Provided that notwithstanding the expiration of his term the President shall
(2) No person shall hold office as President for more than two terms,
(3) The President may resign his office by writing under his hand
(4) The President during his term of office shall not be qualified for election
President's 51. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of article 52, the President shall
immunity
not be answerable in any court for anything done or omitted by him in the
exercise or purported exercise of the functions of his office, but this clause
shall not prejudice the right of any person to take proceedings against the
Government.
instituted or continued against the President in, and no process for his
Impeachment 52. (1) The President may be impeached on a charge of violating this
of the
Constitution or of grave misconduct, preferred by a notice of motion signed
President
by a majority of the total number of members of Parliament and delivered
out the particulars of the charge, and the motion shall not be debated
earlier than fourteen nor later than thirty days after the notice is so
session.
(3) The President shall have the right to appear and to be represented
Parliament by the votes of not less than two thirds of the total number of
members declaring that the charge has been substantiated, the President
shall vacate his office on the date on which the resolution is passed.
(5) Where the Speaker is exercising the functions of the President under
clause (4) to the vacation by the President of his office shall be construed
Removal of 53. (1) The President may be removed from office on the ground of
President
physical or mental incapacity on a motion of which notice, signed by a
on ground
of majority of the total number of members of Parliament, is delivered to the
incapacity
Speaker, setting out particulars of the alleged incapacity.
(2) On receipt of the notice the Speaker shall forthwith summon Parliament
board (hereinafter in this article called “the Board”), and upon the
necessary motion being made and carried shall forthwith cause a copy of
the
the Speaker that the President submit himself within a period of ten days
(3) The motion for removal shall not be put to the vote earlier than fourteen
nor later than thirty days after notice of the motion is delivered to the
enable the motion to be made within that period, the Speaker shall
summon Parliament.
(4) The President shall have the right to appear and to be represented
Board before the motion is made in Parliament, the motion may be put to
the vote, and if it is passed by the votes of not less than two thirds of the
(6) If before the motion for removal is made in Parliament, the President
has submitted himself to an examination by the Board, the motion shall not
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be put to the vote until the Board has been given an opportunity of
the Board (which shall be submitted within seven days of the examination
with) the motion is passed by the votes of not less than two thirds of the
CHAPTER II
THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE CABINET
The Cabinet 55. (1) There shall be a Cabinet for Bangladesh having the Prime Minister
at its head and comprising also such other Ministers as the Prime Minister
(2) The executive power of the Republic shall, in accordance with this
(5) The President shall by rules specify the manner in which orders and
shall not be questioned in any court on the ground that it was not duly
made or executed.
(6) The President shall make rules for the allocation and transaction of the
Ministers 56. (1) There shall be a Prime Minister, and such other Ministers, Ministers
Minister.
(2) The appointments of the Prime Minister and other Ministers and of the
Provided that not less than nine tenths of their number shall be appointed
from among members of Parliament and not more than one tenth of their
members of Parliament.
(4) If occasion arises for making any appointment under clause (2) or
Tenure of 57. (1) The office of the Prime Minister shall become vacant–
office of
Prime (a) if he resigns from office at any time by placing his resignation in the
Minister
hands of the President; or
(2) If the Prime Minister ceases to retain the support of a majority of the
(3) Nothing in this article shall disqualify Prime Minister for holding office
Tenure of 58. (1) The office of a Minister other than the Prime Minister shall become
office of
vacant –
other
Ministers (a) if he resigns from office by placing his resignation in the hands of the
(2) The Prime Minister may at any time request a Minister to resign, and if
such Minister fails to comply with the request, may advise the President to
terminate the appointment of such Minister.
(3) Nothing in sub clauses (a), (b) and (d) of clause (1) shall disqualify a
Minister for holding office during any period in which Parliament stands
dissolved.
(4) If the Prime Minister resigns from or ceases to hold office each of the
other Ministers shall be deemed also to have resigned from office but
shall, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, continue to hold office until
his successor has entered upon office.
(5) In this article “Minister” includes Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
[OMITTED] 33[***]
CHAPTER IIA
NON PARTY CARE TAKER GOVERNMENT
[OMITTED] Omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of
CHAPTER III
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local 59. (1) Local government in every administrative unit of the Republic shall
government
be entrusted to bodies, composed of persons elected in accordance with
law.
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Powers of 60. For the purpose of giving full effect to the provisions of article 59
local
Parliament shall, by law, confer powers on the local government bodies
government
bodies referred to in that article, including power to impose taxes for local
CHAPTER IV
THE DEFENCE SERVICES
Supreme 34[61. The supreme command of the defence services of Bangladesh shall
command
vest in the President and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law.]
(c) the appointment of chiefs of staff of the defence services, and their
salaries and allowances ; and
(d) the discipline and other matters relating to those services and reserves.
(2) Until Parliament by law provides for the matters specified in clause (1)
the President may, by order, provide for such of them as are not already
War 63. (1) War shall not be declared and the Republic shall not participate in
any war except with the assent of Parliament.
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35[* * *]
CHAPTER V
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL
The 64. (1) The President shall appoint a person who is qualified to be
Attorney-
appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court to be Attorney-General
General
for Bangladesh.
(4) The Attorney-General shall hold office during the pleasure of the
PART V
THE LEGISLATURE
CHAPTER I
PARLIAMENT
Establishment 65. (1) There shall be a Parliament for Bangladesh (to be known as the
of
House of the Nation) in which, subject to the provisions of this
Parliament
Constitution, shall be vested the legislative powers of the Republic:
effect.
and, for so long as clause (3) is effective, the members provided for in that
clause; the members shall be designated as Members of Parliament.
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36[(3) Until the dissolution of Parliament occurring next after the expiration
of the period of twenty five years beginning from the date of the first
meeting of the Parliament next after the Parliament in existence at the time
2018, there shall be reserved fifty seats exclusively for women members
and they will be elected by the aforesaid members in accordance with law
on the basis of procedure of proportional representation in the Parliament
from being elected to any of the seats provided for in clause (2) of this
article.]
37[(3A) For the remaining period of the Parliament in existence at the time
election provided for in clause (2) and fifty women members provided for in
clause (3).]
Qualifications 66. (1) A person shall subject to the provisions of clause (2), be qualified to
and
be elected as, and to be, a member of Parliament if he is a citizen of
disqualifications
for election Bangladesh and has attained the age of twenty-five years.
to
Parliament (2) A person shall be disqualified for election as, or for being, a member of
Parliament who –
foreign state;
(d) has been, on conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude,
sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a
(f) holds any office of profit in the service of the Republic other than an
office which is declared by law not to be disqualified its holder ; or]
41[(3) For the purposes of this article, a person shall not be deemed to hold
an office of profit in the service of the Republic by reason only that he is
the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, a
Minister, Minister of State or Deputy Minister.]
(5) Parliament may, by law, make such provision as it deems necessary for
Provided that the Speaker may, before the expiration of that period, for
good cause extend it;
(2) A member of Parliament may resign his seat by writing under his hand
addressed to the Speaker, and the seat shall become vacant when the
Deputy Speaker.
Penalty for
69. If a person sits or votes as a member of Parliament before he makes
member
sitting or or subscribes the oath or affirmation in accordance with this Constitution,
voting or when he knows that he is not qualified or is disqualified for membership
before
thereof, he shall be liable in respect of each day on which he so sits or
taking oath
votes to a penalty of one thousand taka to be recovered as a debt due to
the Republic.
of Parliament.]
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Bar against 71. (1) No person shall at the same time be a member of Parliament in
double
respect of two or more constituencies.
membership
(2) Nothing in clause (1) shall prevent a person from being at the same
time a candidate for two or more constituencies, but in the event of his
(a) within thirty days after his last election the person elected shall deliver
(b) if the person elected fails to comply with sub clause (a) all the seats for
(c) the person elected shall not make or subscribe the oath or affirmation
Sessions of 72. (1) Parliament shall be summoned, prorogued and dissolved by the
Parliament
President by public notification, and when summoning Parliament the
President shall specify the time and place of the first meeting:
Provided further that in the exercise of his functions under this clause, the
President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister
tendered to him in writing.]
summoned to meet within thirty days after the declaration of the results of
polling at any general election of members of Parliament.
dissolved on the expiration of the period of five years from the date of its
first meeting:
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Provided that at any time when the Republic is engaged in war the period
may be extended by Act of Parliament by not more than one year at a time
but shall not be so extended beyond six months after the termination of the
war.
(4) If after a dissolution and before the holding of the next general election
satisfied that owing to the existence of a state of war in which the Republic
47[* * *]
(5) Subject to the provisions of clause (1) the sittings of Parliament shall
President’s 73. (1) The President may address Parliament and may send messages
address
and thereto.
messages
(2) At the commencement of the first session after a general election of
to
Parliament members of Parliament and at the commencement of the first session of
Rights of 48[73A. (1) Every Minister shall have the right to speak in, and otherwise to
Ministers as
take part in the proceedings of, Parliament, but shall not be entitled to vote
respects
Parliament 49[or to speak on any matter not related to his Ministry] unless he is a
member of Parliament also.
(2) In this article, “Minister” includes a Prime Minister, 50[* * *], Minister of
Speaker 74. (1) Parliament shall at the first sitting after any general election elect
and Deputy
Speaker from among its members a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker, and if either
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office becomes vacant shall within seven days or, if Parliament is not then
sitting, at its first meeting thereafter, elect one of its members to fill the
vacancy.
(c) if Parliament passes a resolution (after not less than fourteen days'
notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution) supported by
the votes of a majority of all the members thereof, requiring his removal
from office;
(d) it he resigns his office by writing under his hand delivered to the
President;
(e) if after a general election another member enters upon that office; or
(f) in the case of the Deputy Speaker, if he enters upon the office of
Speaker.
(3) While the office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is 51[acting as]
performed by the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of the Deputy Speaker is
vacant, by such member of Parliament as may be determined by or under
(4) At any sitting of Parliament, while a resolution for the removal of the
Speaker from his office is under consideration the Speaker (or while any
resolution for the removal of the Deputy Speaker from his office is under
consideration, the Deputy Speaker) shall not preside, and the provisions of
clause (3) shall apply in relation to every such sitting as they apply in
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relation to a sitting from which the Speaker or, as the case may be, the
(5) The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker, as the case may be, shall have
the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in, the proceedings of
Parliament while any resolution for his removal from office is under
consideration in Parliament, and shall be entitled to vote but only as a
member.
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (2) the Speaker or, as the
case may be, the Deputy Speaker, shall be deemed to continue to hold
office until his successor has entered upon office.
(2) If at any time during which Parliament is in session the attention of the
person presiding is drawn to the fact that the number of members present
is less than sixty, he shall either suspend the meeting until at least sixty
Standing 76. (1) 52[* * *] Parliament shall appoint from among its members the
committees
following standing committees, that is to say –
of
Parliament
(a) a public accounts committee;
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(b) review the enforcement of laws and propose measures for such
enforcement;
affirmation or otherwise;
Ombudsman 77. (1) Parliament may, by law, provide for the establishment of the office
of Ombudsman.
(2) The Ombudsman shall exercise such powers and perform such
public authority.
discharge of his functions, and such report shall be laid before Parliament.
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Privileges 78. (1) The validity of the proceedings in Parliament shall not be
and
questioned in any court.
immunities
of
(2) A member or officer of Parliament in whom powers are vested for the
Parliament
and regulation of procedure, the conduct of business or the maintenance of
members order in Parliament, shall not in relation to the exercise by him of any such
vote or proceeding.
(5) Subject to this article, the privileges of Parliament and of its committees
and rules so made shall have effect subject to the provisions of any law.
CHAPTER II
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
Legislative 80. (1) Every proposal in Parliament for making a law shall be made in the
procedure
form of a Bill.
53[(3) The President within fifteen days after a Bill is presented to him, shall
assent to the Bill or, in the case of a Bill other than a Money Bill, may
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period.]
(4) If the President so returns the Bill Parliament shall consider it together
with the President's message, and if the Bill is again passed by Parliament
with or without amendments 54[***], it shall be presented to the President
for his assent, whereupon the President shall assent to the Bill within the
period of seven days after it has been presented to him, and if he fails to
Parliament.
Money Bills 81. (1) In this Part “Money Bill” means a Bill containing only provisions
(c) the custody of the Consolidated Fund, the payment of money into, or
(d) the imposition of a charge upon the Consolidated Fund or the alteration
or abolition of any such charge;
(f) any subordinate matter incidental to any of the matters specified in the
foregoing sub clauses.
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(2) A Bill shall not be deemed to be a Money Bill by reason only that it
any service rendered, or by reason only that it provides for the imposition,
(3) Every Money Bill shall, when it is presented to the President for his
assent, bear a certificate under the hand of the Speaker that it is a Money
Bill, and such certificate shall be conclusive for all purposes and shall not
be questioned in any court.
Recommendation82. No Money Bill, or any Bill which involves expenditure from public
for financial
moneys, shall be introduced into Parliament except on the
measures
recommendation of the President:
under this article for the moving of an amendment making provision for the
reduction or abolition of any tax.
No taxation 83. No tax shall be levied or collected except by or under the authority of
except by
an Act of Parliament.
or under
Act of
Parliament
Consolidated
84. (1) All revenues received by the Government, all loans raised by the
Fund and
the Public Government, and all moneys received by it in repayment of any loan, shall
Account of form part of one fund to be known as the Consolidated Fund.
the
Republic (2) All other public moneys received by or on behalf of the Government
Regulation 85. The custody of public moneys, their payment into and the withdrawal
of Public
from the Consolidated Fund or, as the case may be, the Public Account of
moneys
the Republic, and matters connected with or ancillary to the matters
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(b) any court to the credit of any cause, matter, account or persons,
Annual 87. (1) There shall be laid before Parliament, in respect of each financial
financial
year, a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the
statement
Government for that year, in this Part referred to as the annual financial
statement.
Charges on 88. The following expenditure shall be charged upon the Consolidated
Consolidated
Fund Fund –
56[* * *]
Commissions.]
(d) all debt charges for which the Government is liable, including interest,
sinking fund charges, the repayment or amortisation of capital, and other
expenditure in connection with the raising of loans and the service and
redemption of debt;
(e) any sums required to satisfy a judgment, decree or award against the
(f) any other expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund by this
Procedure 89. (1) So much of the annual financial statement as relates to expenditure
relating to
charged upon the Consolidated Fund may be discussed in, but shall not
annual
financial be submitted to the vote of, Parliament.
statement
(2) So much of the annual financial statement as relates to other
Appropriation 90. (1) As soon as may be after the grants under article 89 have been
Act
made by Parliament there shall be introduced in Parliament a Bill to
required to meet–
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(b) the expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund but not exceeding
in any case the amount shown in the annual financial statement laid before
Parliament.
the current financial year is insufficient or that a need has arisen for
expenditure upon some new service not included in the annual financial
statement for that year; or
(b) that any money has been spent on a service during a financial year in
excess of the amount granted for that service for that year;
Constitution upon that Fund and shall cause to be laid before Parliament a
out the amount of the excess, and the provisions of articles 87 to 90 shall
(with the necessary adaptations) apply in relation to those statements as
prescribed in article 89 for the voting of such grant and the passing of a
law in accordance with the provisions of article 90 in relation to that
expenditure;
(c) to make an exceptional grant which forms no part of the current service
moneys from the Consolidated Fund for the purposes for which such
(2) The provisions of articles 89 and 90 shall have effect in relation to the
making of any grant under clause (1), and to any law to be made under
that clause, as they have effect in relation to the making of a grant with
regard to any expenditure mentioned in the annual financial statement and
(a) has failed to make the grants under article 89 and pass the law under
article 90 before the beginning of that year and has not also made any
grant in advance under this article; or
(b) has failed to make the grants under article 89 and pass the law under
article 90 before the expiration of the period for which the grants in
advance, if any, were made under this article,
the President may, upon the advice of the Prime Minister, by order,
authorise the withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund moneys necessary
to meet expenditure mentioned in the financial statement for that year for a
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period not exceeding sixty days in that year, pending the making of the
grants and passing of the law.]
1991).]
CHAPTER III
ORDINANCE MAKING POWER
Ordinance 93. (1) At any time when 60[Parliament stands dissolved or is not in
making
session], if the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render
power
immediate action necessary, he may make and promulgate such
Provided that no Ordinance under this clause shall make any provision –
(i) which could not lawfully be made under this Constitution by Act of
Parliament;
(2) An Ordinance made under clause (1) shall be laid before Parliament at
its first meeting following the promulgation of the Ordinance and shall,
unless it is earlier repealed, cease to have effect at the expiration of thirty
days after it is so laid or, if a resolution disapproving of the Ordinance is
(3) At any time when Parliament stands dissolved, the President may, if he
is satisfied that circumstances exist which render such action necessary,
Constitution upon that fund or not, and any Ordinance so made shall, as
from its promulgation, have the like force of law as an Act of Parliament.
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(4) Every Ordinance promulgated under clause (3) shall be laid before
Parliament as soon as may be, and the provisions of articles 87, 89 and 90
PART VI
THE JUDICIARY
61 CHAPTER I
THE SUPREME COURT
Establishment 94. (1) There shall be a Supreme Court for Bangladesh (to be known as
of Supreme
the Supreme Court of Bangladesh) comprising the Appellate Division and
Court
the High Court Division.
(2) The Supreme Court shall consist of the Chief Justice, to be known as
the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, and such number of other Judges as the
President may deem it necessary to appoint to each division.
(3) The Chief Justice, and the Judges appointed to the Appellate Division,
shall sit only in that division, and the other Judges shall sit only in the High
Court Division.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution the Chief Justice and the
other Judges shall be independent in the exercise of their judicial
functions.
Appointment 95. (1) The Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President, and the
of Judges
other Judges shall be appointed by the President after consultation with
(a) has, for not less than ten years, been an advocate of the Supreme
Court ; or
(b) has, for not less than ten years, held judicial office in the territory of
Bangladesh ; or
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(3) In this article, “Supreme Court” includes a court which at any time
before the commencement of this Constitution exercised jurisdiction as a
Tenure of 96. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this article, a Judge shall hold
office of
office until he attains the age of sixty-seven years.
Judges
62[(2) A Judge shall not be removed from his office except by an order of
the President passed pursuant to a resolution of Parliament supported by
a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of
Parliament, on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
under clause (2) and for investigation and proof of the misbehaviour or
incapacity of a Judge.
(4) A Judge may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to
the President.]
Temporary 97. If the office of the Chief Justice becomes vacant, or if the President is
appointment
satisfied that the Chief Justice is, on account of absence, illness, or any
of Chief
Justice other cause, unable to perform the functions of his office, those functions
shall, until some other person has entered upon that office, or until the
Chief Justice has resumed his duties, as the case may be, be performed
by the next most senior Judge of the Appellate Division.
Additional 98. Notwithstanding the provisions of article 94, if the President is satisfied
Supreme
Court that the number of the Judges of a division of the Supreme Court should
Judges be for the time being increased, the President may appoint one or more
duly qualified persons to be Additional Judges of that division for such
period not exceeding two years as he may specify, or, if he thinks fit, may
require a Judge of the High Court Division to sit in the Appellate Division
Disabilities 99. (1) A person who has held office as a Judge (otherwise than as an
of Judges
Additional Judge pursuant to the provisions of article 98), shall not, after
after
retirement his retirement or removal therefrom, plead or act before any court or
authority or hold any offece of profit in the service of the Republic not
Seat of 100. The permanent seat of the Supreme Court shall be in the capital, but
Supreme
sessions of the High Court Division may be held at such other place or
Court
places as the Chief Justice may, with the approval of the President, from
time to time appoint.
Jurisdiction 101. The High Court Division shall have such original, appellate and other
of High
jurisdictions and powers as are conferred on it by this Constitution or any
Court
Division other law.
Powers of 102. (1) The High Court Division on the application of any person
High Court
aggrieved, may give such directions or orders to any person or authority,
Division to
issue including any person performing any function in connection with the affairs
certain
of the Republic, as may be appropriate for the enforcement of any of the
orders and
directions, fundamental rights conferred by Part III of this Constitution.
etc.
(2) The High Court Division may, if satisfied that no other equally
efficacious remedy is provided by law –
(ii) declaring that any act done or proceeding taken by a person performing
functions in connection with the affairs of the Republic or of a local
authority, has been done or taken without lawful authority and is of no legal
effect ; or
clause (2), an interim order is prayed for and such interim order is likely to
have the effect of-
(b) being otherwise harmful to the public interest, the High Court Division
shall not make an interim order unless the Attorney-General has heen
(5) In this article, unless the context otherwise requires, “person” includes
a statutory public authority and any court or tribunal, other than a court or
tribunal established under a law relating to the defence services of
applies.
Jurisdiction 103. (1) The Appellate Division shall have jurisdiction to hear and
of Appellate
determine appeals from judgments, decrees, orders or sentences of the
Division
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sentence of the High Court Division shall lie as of right where the High
Court Division –
(a) certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law as to the
interpretation of this Constitution ; or
apply shall lie only if the Appellate Division grants leave to appeal.
(4) Parliament may by law declare that the provisions of this article shall
apply in relation to any other court or tribunal as they apply in relation to
the High Court Division.
Issue and 104. The Appellate Division shall have power to issue such directions,
execution
orders, decrees or writs as may be necessary for doing complete justice in
of
processes any cause or matter pending before it, including orders for the purpose of
of Appellate
securing the attendance of any person or the discovery or production of
Division
any document.
Review of 105. The Appellate Division shall have power, subject to the provisions of
judgments
any Act of Parliament and of any rules made by that division to review any
or orders
by judgment pronounced or order made by it.
Appellate
Division
Advisory 106. If at any time it appears to the President that a question of law has
jurisdiction
arisen, or is likely to arise, which is of such a nature and of such public
of Supreme
Court importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court
upon it, he may refer the question to the Appellate Division for
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consideration and the division may, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report
its opinion thereon to the President.
Rule- 107. (1) Subject to any law made by Parliament the Supreme Court may,
making
with the approval of the President, make rules for regulating the practice
power of
the and procedure of each division of the Supreme Court and of any court
Supreme
subordinate to it.
Court
(2) The Supreme Court may delegate any of its functions under clause (1)
and article 113 and 116 to a division of that Court or to one or more
judges.
(3) Subject to any rules made under this article the Chief Justice shall
determine which judges are to constitute any Bench of a division of the
Supreme Court and which judges are to sit for any purpose.
(4) The Chief Justice may authorise the next most senior judge of either
division of the Supreme Court to exercise in that division any of the powers
conferred by clause (3) or by rules made under this article.
Supreme 108. The Supreme Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the
Court as
powers of such a court including the power subject to law to make an
court of
record order for the investigation of or punishment for any contempt of itself.
Superintendence109. The High Court Division shall have superintendence and control over
and control
all courts and tribunals subordinate to it.
over courts
Transfer of 110. If the High Court Division is satisfied that a case pending in a court
cases from
subordinate to it involves a substantial question of law as to the
subordinate
courts to interpretation of this Constitution, or on a point of general public
High Court
importance, the determination of which is necessary for the disposal of the
Division
case, it shall withdraw the case from that court and may –
(b) determine the question of law and return the case to the court from
Binding 111. The law declared by the Appellate Division shall be binding on the
effect of
High Court Division and the law declared by either division of the Supreme
Supreme
Court Court shall be binding on all courts subordinate to it.
judgments
Action in 112. All authorities, executive and judicial, in the Republic shall act in aid
aid of
of the Supreme Court.
Supreme
Court
Staff of 113. (1) Appointments of the staff of the Supreme Court shall be made by
Supreme
the Chief Justice or such other judge or officer of that court as he may
Court
direct, and shall be made in accordance with rules made with the previous
CHAPTER II
SUBORDINATE COURTS
Establishment 114. There shall be in addition to the Supreme Court such courts
of
subordinate thereto as may be established by law.
subordinate
courts
Appointments 63
[115. Appointments of persons to offices in the judicial service or as
to
subordinate magistrates exercising judicial functions shall be made by the President in
courts accordance with rules made by him in that behalf.]
Control and 64[116. The control (including the power of posting, promotion and grant of
discipline
leave) and discipline of persons employed in the judicial service and
of
subordinate magistrates exercising judicial functions shall vest in the President and
courts
shall be exercised by him in consultation with the Supreme Court.]
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CHAPTER III
ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS
(a) the terms and conditions of persons in the service of the Republic,
including the matters provided for in Part IX and the award of penalties or
punishments;
Provided that Parliament may, by law, provide for appeals from, or the
PART VIA
[THE NATIONAL PARTY-Omitted]
[Omitted] Omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of
2011), Section 34.
PART VII
ELECTIONS
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Establishment 118. (1) There shall be an Election Commission for Bangladesh consisting
of Election
of 67[the Chief Election Commissioner and not more than four Election
Commission
Commissioners] and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner
and other Election Commissioners (if any) shall, subject to the provisions
(2) When the Election Commission consists of more than one person, the
Chief Election Commissioner shall act as the chairman thereof.
(a) a person who has held office as Chief Election Commissioner shall not
(5) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the conditions
of service of Election Commissioners shall be such as the President may,
by order, determine:
office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the
68[Supreme Court].
(6) An Election Commissioner may resign his office by writing under his
hand addressed to the President.
Functions 119. 69[(1) The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of
of Election
the electoral rolls for elections to the office of President and to Parliament
Commission
and the conduct of such elections shall vest in the Election Commission
which shall, in accordance with this Constitution and any other law –
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and
(d) prepare electoral rolls for the purpose of elections to the office of
Staff of 120. The President shall, when so requested by the Election Commission,
Election
make available to it such staff as may be necessary for the discharge of its
Commission
functions under this Part.
Single 121. There shall be one electoral roll for each constituency for the
electoral
purposes of elections to Parliament, and no special electoral roll shall be
roll for each
constituency prepared so as to classify electors according to religion, race, caste or sex.
Qualifications 122. (1) The elections 70[* * * ] to Parliament shall be on the basis of adult
for
franchise.
registration
as voter
(2) A person shall be entitled to be enrolled on the electoral roll for a
constituency delimited for the purpose of election to the Parliament, if he -
(e) has not been convicted of any offence under the Bangladesh
Time for 123. 73[(1) In the case of a vacancy in the office of President occurring by
holding
reason of the expiration of his term of office an election to fill the vacancy
elections
shall be held within the period of ninety to sixty days prior to the date of
expiration of the term:
Provided that if the term expires before the dissolution of the Parliament by
members of which he was elected the election to fill the vacancy shall not
be held until after the next general election of members of Parliament, but
shall be held within thirty days after the first sitting of Parliament following
such general election.
vacancy shall be held within the period of ninety days after the occurrence
of the vacancy.]
74[(3) A general election of the members of Parliament shall be held-
clause (a) shall not assume office as members of Parliament except after
(4) An election to fill the seat of a member of Parliament which falls vacant
otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of Parliament shall be held
within ninety days of the occurrence of the vacancy 75[:
election within the period specified in this clause, such election shall be
held within ninety days following next after the last day of such period.]
Executive 126. It shall be the duty of all executive authorities to assist the Election
authorities
Commission in the discharge of its functions.
to assist
Election
Commission
PART VIII
THE COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL
Establishment 127. (1) There shall be a Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh
of office of
(hereinafter referred to as the Auditor General) who shall be appointed by
Auditor-
General the President.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any law made by
Parliament, the conditions of service of the Auditor General shall be such
Functions 128. (1) The public accounts of the Republic and of all courts of law and all
of Auditor-
General authorities and officers of the Government shall be audited and reported
on by the Auditor General and for that purpose he or any person
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authorised by him in that behalf shall have access to all records, books,
vouchers, documents, cash, stamps, securities, stores or other
(3) Parliament may by law require the Auditor General to exercise such
(4) The Auditor General, in the exercise of his functions under clause (1),
shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or
authority.
Term of 129. [(1) The Auditor-General shall, subject to the provisions of this
80
office of
article, hold office for five years from the date on which he entered upon
Auditor-
General his office, or until he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is
earlier.]
(2) The Auditor General shall not be removed from his office except in like
(3) The Auditor General may resign his office by writing under his hand
addressed to the President.
(4) On ceasing to hold office the Auditor General shall not be eligible for
further office in the service of the Republic.
Acting 130. At any time when the office of Auditor General is vacant, or the
Auditor-
President is satisfied that the Auditor General is unable to perform his
General
functions on account of absence, illness or any other cause, the President
as the case may be, until the Auditor General resumes the functions of his
office.
Form and 131. The public accounts of the Republic shall be kept in such form and in
manner of
such manner as the Auditor General may, with the approval of the
keeping
public President, prescribe.
accounts
Reports of 132. The reports of the Auditor General relating to the public accounts of
Auditor
the Republic shall be submitted to the President, who shall cause them to
General to
be laid be laid before Parliament.
before
Parliament
PART IX
THE SERVICES OF BANGLADESH
CHAPTER I
SERVICES
Appointment 133. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution Parliament may by law
and
regulate the appointment and conditions of service of persons in the
conditions
of service service of the Republic:
Tenure of 134. Except as otherwise provided by this Constitution every person in the
office
service of the Republic shall hold office during the pleasure of the
President.
Dismissal, 135. (1) No person who holds any civil post in the service of the Republic
etc. of
shall be dismissed or removed or reduced in rank by an authority
civilian
public subordinate to that by which he was appointed.
officers
(2) No such person shall be dismissed or removed or reduced in rank until
of showing cause; or
(iii) where the President is satisfied that in the interests of the security of
the State it is not expedient to give that person such an opportunity.
Reorganisation 136. Provision may be made by law for the reorganisation of the service of
of service
the Republic by the creation, amalgamation or unification of services and
such law may vary or revoke any condition of service of a person
employed in the service of the Republic.
CHAPTER II
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONS
Establishment 137. Provision shall be made by law for establishing one or more public
of
service commissions for Bangladesh, each of which shall consist of a
commissions
chairman and such other members as shall be prescribed by law.
Appointment
of members
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138. (1) The chairman and other members of each public service
commission shall be appointed by the President:
Provided that not less than one half of the members of a commission shall
be persons who have held office for twenty years or more in the service of
any government which has at any time functioned within the territory of
Bangladesh.
(2) Subject to any law made by Parliament the conditions of service of the
chairman and other members of a public service commission shall be such
as the President may, by order, determine.
Term of 139. (1) The term of office of the chairman and other members of a public
office
service commission shall, subject to the provisions of this article, expire
five years after the date on which he entered upon his office, or when he
(2) The chairman and other members of such a commission shall not be
removed from office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a
Judge of the 83[Supreme Court].
resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the President.
(b) a member (other than the chairman) so ceasing shall be eligible for re
appointment for one further term or for appointment as chairman of a
(2) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, and any
regulation (not inconsistent with such law) which may be made by the
President after consultation with a commission, the President shall consult
(a) matters relating to qualifications for, and methods of recruitment to, the
service of the Republic;
(c) matters affecting the terms and conditions (including pension rights) of
Annual 141. (1) Each commission shall, not later than the first day of March each
report
year, prepare and submit to the President a report on the performance of
its functions during the period ended on the previous 31st day of
December.
(a) the cases, if any, in which its advice was not accepted and the reasons
why it was not accepted;
(b) the cases where the commission ought to have been consulted and
was not consulted, and the reasons why it was not consulted.
(3) The President shall cause the report and memorandum to be laid
before Parliament at its first meeting held after 31st March in the year in
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84 PART IXA
EMERGENCY PROVISIONS
Proclamation 141A. (1) If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in
of
which the security or economic life of Bangladesh, or any part thereof, is
emergency
threatened by war or external aggression or internal disturbance, he may
86[* * *]
87[Provided that such Proclamation shall require for its validity the prior
counter signature of the Prime Minister.]
(c) shall cease to operate at the expiration of one hundred and twenty
days, unless before the expiration of that period it has been approved by a
resolution of Parliament: 88[* * *]
period of one hundred and twenty days referred to in sub clause (c), the
(2) An order made under this article may extend to the whole of
Bangladesh or any part thereof.
(3) Every order made under this article shall, as soon as may be, be laid
before Parliament.]
PART X
AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
(i) no Bill for such amendment shall be allowed to proceed unless the long
(ii) no such Bill shall be presented to the President for assent unless it is
passed by the votes of not less than two thirds of the total number of
members of Parliament ;
his assent he shall, within the period of seven days after the Bill is
presented to him assent to the Bill, and if he fails so to do he shall be
PART XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Property of 143. (1) There shall vest in the Republic, in addition to any other land or
the
property lawfully vested –
Republic
(a) all minerals and other things of value underlying any land of
Bangladesh;
(b) all lands, minerals and other things of value underlying the ocean
within the territorial waters, or the ocean over the continental shelf, of
Bangladesh; and
(2) Parliament may from time to time by law provide for the determination
Executive 144. The executive authority of the Republic shall extend to the
authority in
acquisition, sale, transfer, mortgage and disposal of property, the carrying
relation to
property, on of any trade or business and the making of any contract.
trade, etc.
Contracts 145. (1) All contracts and deeds made in exercise of the executive
and deeds
authority of the Republic shall be expressed to be made by the President,
and shall be executed on behalf of the President by such person and in
such manner as he may direct or authorise.
International 92[145A. All treaties with foreign countries shall be submitted to the
treaties
President, who shall cause them to be laid before Parliament :
Provided that any such treaty connected with national security shall be
laid in a secret session of Parliament.]
Suits in 146. The Government of Bangladesh may sue or be sued by the name of
name of
Bangladesh.
Bangladesh
Remuneration,
147. (1) The remuneration, privileges and other terms and conditions of
etc., of
certain service of a person holding or acting in any office to which this article
officers applies shall be determined by or under Act of Parliament, but until they
are so determined -
(a) they shall be those (if any) appertaining to the person holding or, as the
case may be, acting in the office in question immediately before the
commencement of this Constitution; or
(b) if the preceding sub clause is not applicable, they shall be determined
(2) The remuneration, privileges and other terms and conditions of service
of a person holding or acting in any office to which this article applies shall
not be varied to the disadvantage of any such person during his term of
office.
Provided that such person shall not for the purposes of this clause be
deemed to hold any such office, post or position by reason only that he
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(a) President;
93[* * *]
Oaths of 148. (1) A person elected or appointed to any office mentioned in the Third
office
Schedule shall before entering upon the office make and subscribe an
oath or affirmation (in this article referred to as “an oath”) in accordance
with that Schedule.
96[* * *]
or such other person designated by that person for the purpose, is unable
to, or does not, administer oath to the newly elected members of
Parliament, on any account, the Chief Election Commissioner shall
administer such oath within three days next thereafter, as if, he is the
Saving for 149. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution all existing laws shall
existing
continue to have effect but may be amended or repealed by law made
laws
under this Constitution.
Transitional 99[150. (1) The provisions set out in the Fourth Schedule of the
and
temporary Constitution at the time of the Commencement of this Constitution on the
provisions 16th day of December, 1972 shall have effect as transitional and
temporary provisions notwithstanding anything contained in any other
provisions of this Constitution.
(2) In the period between the 7th day of March, 1971 and the date of
the Father of the Nation, in the Racecourse Maidan, Dhaka on the 7th day
of March, 1971, set out in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, the
telegram of the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh made by
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation on the
26th day of March, 1971 set out in the Sixth Schedule and the
Proclamation of Independence of the Mujibnagar Government on the 10th
day of April, 1971 set out in the Seventh Schedule are the historical
speech and instruments of the independence and the struggle of freedom
of Bangladesh which shall be deemed to be the transitional and the
temporary provision for the said period.]
(a) The Laws Continuance Enforcement Order, made on 10th April, 1971;
(c) The High Court of Bangladesh Order, 1972 (P.O. No. 5 of 1972);
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(d) The Bangladesh Comptroller and Auditor General Order, 1972 (P.O.
No. 15 of 1972);
(g) The Bangladesh Public Service Commissions Order, 1972 (P.O. No. 34
of 1972);
Interpretation 152. (1) In this Constitution, except where the subject or context otherwise
requires –
100[* * *]
102[* * *]
(c) any other force declared by law to be a disciplined force within the
meaning of this definition;
“existing law” means any law in force in, or in any part of, the territory of
Bangladesh immediately before the commencement of this Constitution,
“the High Court Division” means the High Court Division of the Supreme
Court;
“law” means any Act, ordinance, order, rule, regulation, bye law,
notification or other legal instrument, and any custom or usage, having the
65;
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“the service of the Republic” means any service, post or office whether in a
“the Speaker” means the person for the time being holding the office of
Speaker pursuant to article 74;
authorities;
“sub clause” means a sub clause of the clause in which the expression
occurs;
“taxation” includes the imposition of any tax, rate, duty or impost, whether
Commencement,153. (1) This Constitution may be cited as the Constitution of the People's
citation and
Republic of Bangladesh and shall come into force on the sixteenth day of
authenticity
December, 1972, in this Constitution referred to as the commencement of
this Constitution.
Provided that in the event of conflict between the Bengali and the English
text, the Bengali text shall prevail.
1 Substituted for the words, commas, signs and brackets "BISMILLAH-AR-RAHMAN-AR-RAHIM (In the name of Allah, the
Beneficent, the Merciful)" by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 2.
2 Substituted for the words "a historic war for national independence" by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011
3 Substituted for the former second paragraph by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 3.
4 Substituted for the semi-colon and word ";and" by the Constitution (Third Amendment) Act, 1974 (Act LXXIV of 1974),
section 3. But its effectiveness is subject to gazette notification under section 4 of that Act.
5 Article 2A was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011) section 4.
6 Substituted for the word "Bengali" by the Constitution (Eighth Amendment) Act, 1988 (Act XXX of 1988), section 3.
7 Article 4A was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011) section 5.
8 The word “Dhaka” was substituted for the word “Dacca” by section 4 of the Constitution (Eighth Amendment) Act, 1988
9 Article 6 was substituted for the formar article 6 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 6.
10 Article 7A and 7B were inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 7.
11 Substituted for the former clause (1) and (1A) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 8.
12 Substituted for the former article 9 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 9.
13 Substituted for the former article 10 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011) section 10.
14 The comma and words ",and in which effective participation by the people through their elected representatives in
administration at all levels shall be ensured" were omitted by the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Act II of
1975), section 2.
15 The Comma and words ", and in which effective participation by the people through their elected representatives in
administration at all levels shall be ensured" were inserted by the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act XXVIII
of 1991), section 2.
16 Substituted for the former article 12 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 11.
17 Article 18A was inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 12.
18 Clause (3) was added by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 13.
19 Article 23A was inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 14.
20 The figure and brackets (1) were omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
21 Clause (2) was omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 15, (ii).
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22 Clause (3) was added by section 2 of the Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act No. XXIV of 1973)
23 Article 30 was substituted by section 5 of the Constitution (Eighth Amendment) Act, 1988 (Act No. XXX of 1988)
24 Article 33 was substituted by section 3 of the Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act No. XXIV of 1973)
25 Article 38 was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 16.
26 Substituted for the former clause (2) and (3) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 17.
27 Substituted for the former article 44 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 18.
28 Substituted for the proviso by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 19 (i).
29 Clause (3) was added by section 2 of the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act No. XV of 1973)
30 Inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 19 (ii).
31 Article 47A was inserted by section 3 of the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act No. XV of 1973)
32 Chapters I, II and III were substituted for Chapters I and II by section 3 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act,
33 Article 58A was omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 20.
34 Article 61 was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 22.
35 Clauses (2) and (3) were omitted by section 4 of the Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act No. XXIV of
1973)
36 Clause (3) was substituted by section 2 of The Constitution (Seventeenth Amendment) Act, 2018 (Act No 29 0f 2018).
37 Clause (3A) was inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 23 (ii).
38 The word "or" and sub-clause (dd) were omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 24 (i).
39 Sub-clause (e) and (f) were inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 24
(ii).
40 Clause (2A) was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 24 (iii).
41 Clause (3) was inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 24 (iv).
42 The words “before Parliament” were omitted by section 5 of the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Act No. II
of 1975)
43 The word “remuneration” was substituted for the word “salaries” by section 6 of the Constitution (Eighth Amendment)
44 Substituted for the former article 70 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 25.
45 The proviso was substituted by section 6 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
46 Inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 26.
47 Clause (4A) was omitted by section 6 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
48 Article 73A was inserted by section 9 of the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Act No. II of 1975)
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49 The words “or to speak on any matter not related to his Ministry” were inserted by section 7 of the Constitution (Twelfth
50 The words “Deputy Prime Minister” were omitted by the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act XXVIII of
51 The words “acting as” were substituted for the words “exercising the functions of the” by section 10 of the Constitution
52 The words “At its first meeting in each session” were omitted by section 11 of the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act,
53 Clause (3) was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 27 (i).
54 The words “by the votes of a majority of the total number of members of Parliament" were omitted by the Constitution
55 The words "in any Money Bill" were inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 28.
56 Clause (aa) was omitted by section 8 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
57 Sub-para (ii) was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 29(a).
58 Para (c) was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 29 (b).
59 Clause (3) was added by section 9 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
60 Substituted for the words "Parliament stands dissolved or is not in session" by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment)
61 Substituted for the former Chapter I by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 31.
62 Clauses (2), (3) and (4) were substituted for the clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) by section 2 of the Constitution
63 Article 115 was substituted by section 19 the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Act No. II of 1975)
64 Substituted for the former article 116 by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 32.
65 Article 116A was inserted by section 21 of the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Act No. II of 1975)
66 Substituted for the former sub-clause (c) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),section
33.
67 Substituted for the words and commas "a Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election
Commissoners if any, as the President may from time to time direct," by the Constitution (Fifteenth amendment) Act, 2011
(Act XIV of 2011), section 35 (a).
68 Substituted for the words "Supreme Court" by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 35 (b).
69 Clause (1) was substituted by section 12 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIll of 1991)
70 The words “to the offices of President and Vice President and” were omitted by section 13 of the Constitution (Twelfth
71 Substituted for sub-clauses (c) and (d) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section
36.
72 Clause (3) was omitted by section 13 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
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73 Clauses (1) and (2) were substituted for clauses (1), (2), (2A) and (2B) by section 14 of the Constitution (Twelfth
74 Substituted for the former clause (3) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 37.
75 The colon (:) was substituted for the full stop (.) and thereafter the proviso was added by section 14 of the Constitution
76 Article 124 was substituted by section 15 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
77 The words “offices of President and Vice President” were substituted for the words “office of President” by section 14 of
the Constitution (Ninth Amendment) Act. 1989 (Act No. XXXVIII of 1989)
78 The words “and Vice President” were omitted by section 16 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No.
XXVIII of 1991)
79 Clause (c) was added by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 38.
80 Clause (1) was substituted by section 5 of the Constitution (Fourteenth Amendment) Act, 2004 (Act No. XIV of 2004)
81 Substituted for the words "Supreme Court" by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 39.
82 The words “sixty five” were substituted for the words “sixty-two” by section 6 of the Constitution (Fourteenth
83 Substituted for the words “Supreme Court” by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011),
section 40.
84 Part IXA was inserted by section 6 of the Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act No. XXIV of 1973).
85 The words " for one hundred twenty days" were added by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of
86 The proviso was omitted by section 28 of the Constitution (Fourth Amendment) Act, 1975 (Act No. II of 1975)
87 The proviso was added by section 17 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
88 Omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment ) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 41 (b).
89 Added by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 41 (c).
90 The words and comma “on the written advice of the Prime Minister, by order” were substituted for the words “by order”
by section 18 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
91 Article 142 was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 42.
92 Article 145A was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 43.
93 Sub clause (aa) was omitted by section 21 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
94 Substituted for the former sub-clause (b) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act No. XIV of 2011)
section 44(i).
95 Substituted for the former sub-clause (d) by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section
44(ii).
96 Clause (IA) was omitted by section 22 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act No. XXVIII of 1991)
97 The words “and for any reason it is impracticable for the oath to be made before that person” were omitted by section
99 Article 150 was substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 45.
100 Omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV 2011), section 46 (a).
101 Substituted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 46(b)
102 Omitted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 46(d).
103 Inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 46(b).
104 Inserted by the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 2011 (Act XIV of 2011), section 46(c).
105 The semi-colon (;) was substituted for the full stop (.) by section 16 of the Constitution (Ninth Amendment) Act, 1989
106 The expression “the vice president” was omitted by section 23 of the Constitution (Twelfth Amendment) Act, 1991 (Act