The constitutional history of Bangladesh reflects its journey from colonial rule to independence and subsequent evolution. Following British rule and its partition from India in 1947, East Bengal became East Pakistan, governed under Pakistan's constitution. Discontent with political and economic disparities led to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The Proclamation of Independence in April 1971 served as the interim constitution until the adoption of the Constitution of Bangladesh on December 16, 1972. This established a secular, socialist, and democratic republic with a parliamentary system. Major amendments include the Fourth Amendment (1975), introducing a presidential system; the Fifth Amendment (1979), incorporating Islamic principles; and the Twelfth Amendment (1991), reverting to a parliamentary system. The Fifteenth Amendment (2011) reaffirmed secularism. Bangladesh’s constitutional journey underscores its quest for democracy, justice, and the balance of power among its governing institutions.
