The Constitution of Bangladesh has a rich history marked by the nation's quest for autonomy and identity. Before independence, the region was part of British India and later East Pakistan after the 1947 partition. The 1952 Language Movement, demanding Bengali as a state language, highlighted early resistance to West Pakistani dominance.
The struggle for autonomy intensified with the Six-Point Movement in 1966, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, demanding greater self-governance for East Pakistan. The 1970 elections saw the Awami League win decisively, but the refusal to transfer power escalated tensions, leading to the 1971 Liberation War. After a brutal conflict, Bangladesh emerged as an independent state on December 16, 197Following independence, a committee led by Dr. Kamal Hossain drafted the Constitution, which was adopted on November 4, 1972, and came into effect on December 16, 1972. This Constitution established a parliamentary democracy and enshrined socialism, nationalism, democracy, and secularism as fundamental principles.
The Constitution has undergone numerous amendments to adapt to changing political and social circumstances. The first amendment in 1973 addressed war crimes. The fourth amendment in 1975 introduced a presidential system and a one-party state. Subsequent years saw periods of military rule and political upheaval, with amendments reflecting these changes.1.