Salient
Features of the Constitution of Bangladesh:
The
original constitution was made in 1972 and it amended 15 times. It embodied
some fundamental and basic features or characteristics. These features are as follows:
Written Constitution:
The
Constitution of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a written one, and has a
formal document. With 153 articles, 7
schedules, 10 parts and 1 preamble. All provision where we go, that’s written
down here.
Rigid Constitution:
The
constitution of Bangladesh is a rigid one. It cannot amend by the ordinary law
making procedure, and it very difficult to modify or change. Only vote of two
third majority of parliament member can amend this constitution.
Preamble:
The
constitution of Bangladesh starts with a preamble. This is called as the
guiding star or moral basis of the constitution. Preamble lays down the most
important national goals such as Democracy, Socialism, Nationalism and
Secularism.
Supremacy of the
Constitution:
Constitutional
supremacy has been ensured in the constitution of Bangladesh. Article 7
provided that “this constitution is the supreme law of the republic”. And it is
the fundamental law of the country, in any other law is inconsistent with this
constitution that other law shall be void.
Unitary Government System:
Article
1 of the constitution provide that “Bangladesh is a unitary peoples republic as
opposed to federal republic. And all power under the constitution.” In unitary
Gov. system constitution is central power of the state.
Unicameral Legislature:
Articles
65 of the constitution provide a unicameral legislature for Bangladesh. It is
only one house to be known as the ‘House of Nation’. (এক কক্ষ বিশেষ্ঠ পার্লামেন্ট)
Directive Principle:
Part
II, Article 8 to 25 of the constitution provides the directive principle
(fundamental principle of state policy). The main principles are: -
Nationalism, Socialism, Democracy, secularism. Government must ensure these
principles on their governing policy.
Fundamental Right:
Fundamental
rights are absolute rights a citizen of a country. Part III and Article 27 to
44 of the constitution provide 18 fundamental rights such as equality before
law, equality of opportunity in public employment, right to protection of law,
protection of right to life and personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom
of thought etc. Fundamental rights protected by the constitutional
guarantee. If executive violate these
rights the defendant can go Supreme Court for remedy according to under Article
44 of this constitution.
Parliamentary From of
government:
The
constitution of Bangladesh provides a Westminster type of parliamentary system.
In other word cabinet from of government.
Independence of judiciary:
Ombudsman:
Part
V, Article 77 of the constitution provides a ombudsman system to overview the
activities of civil bureaucracy, to eradicate corruption in the administration
and to ensure the responsibility of the government. But till now this office
has not yet been implemented in Bangladesh.
Responsible Government: