| dc.description.abstract | The Constitution of Bangladesh, enacted on 4 November 1972, stands as the foundational legal
instrument of the independent state that emerged from the Liberation War of 1971. Born out
of a people's struggle against colonial subjugation and political oppression, the Constitution
enshrined four state principles—nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism—as the
ideological bedrock of the new republic. However, more than five decades of political
turbulence, military interventions, and partisan governance have significantly altered the
original constitutional vision, giving rise to a complex and contested constitutional landscape.
This research monograph critically examines the historical background of the Constitution of
Bangladesh, tracing its evolution from the colonial era through the Liberation War to its
adoption in 1972 and subsequent amendment history. It analyses the foundational principles,
constitutional framework for rights and governance, and the transformative impact of
seventeen constitutional amendments—particularly the Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth,
Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth—on democratic governance, separation of
powers, and the Rule of Law. The paper further identifies present constitutional challenges
including political centralisation, weakened judicial independence, human rights concerns, and
structural governance failures.
Through a comparative analysis with India, Pakistan, and developed legal systems, the study
draws relevant lessons for Bangladesh and advances a suggestive framework for constitutional
reformation. The paper argues that meaningful constitutional reform is not merely desirable
but imperative in the present context, requiring comprehensive legal, institutional, and
democratic renewal. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology, drawing on
constitutional texts, landmark judicial decisions, scholarly literature, and policy documents. | en_US |
