Fundamental Rights Guaranteed by Constitution of Bangladesh

The Constitution of Bangladesh is the supreme law of the country, which was adopted on 4th November 1972, after the liberation war of 1971. It is a written document that defines the fundamental principles, structure, and functions of the state. The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees certain fundamental rights to its citizens, which are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution. These fundamental rights are essential for the development of a just and democratic society, and the Constitution of Bangladesh recognizes them as inviolable and non-negotiable.

The fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Bangladesh are as follows:

1. Right to Equality: Article 27 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law to all citizens. This right ensures that no citizen shall be discriminated against on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
2. Right to Life and Personal Liberty: Article 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to life and personal liberty to all citizens. This right ensures that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except in accordance with the law.
3. Right to Freedom of Thought and Conscience: Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the freedom of thought and conscience to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate any religion or belief.
4. Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression: Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh also guarantees the freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to express their opinions freely and to receive and impart information without any hindrance.
5. Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association: Article 37 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the freedom of assembly and association to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, and to form associations or unions.
6. Right to Freedom of Movement: Article 36 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the freedom of movement to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to move freely throughout the territory of Bangladesh.
7. Right to Freedom of Profession or Occupation: Article 40 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the freedom of profession or occupation to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to choose and practice any profession or occupation.
8. Right to Property: Article 42 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to property to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property lawfully.
9. Right to Education: Article 17 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to education to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to education, and the State is obliged to provide free and compulsory primary education to all children.
10. Right to Cultural and Educational Rights of Ethnic and Linguistic Minorities: Article 23A of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the cultural and educational rights of ethnic and linguistic minorities. This right ensures that every citizen belonging to an ethnic or linguistic minority has the right to preserve and promote their culture and language. The State is also obliged to take measures to protect and promote the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country.
11. Right to Women’s Rights: Article 28 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights to women. This right ensures that women have the same rights as men in all spheres of life, including political, economic, social, and cultural. The State is also obliged to take affirmative action to eliminate discrimination against women and to ensure their full and equal participation in all spheres of life.
12. Protection of the law: Article 31 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to protection of the law to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to a fair and impartial trial and to be protected by the law.
13. Right to Freedom of Religion: Article 41 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the freedom of religion to all citizens. This right ensures that citizens have the right to practice and profess their religion, and no person or authority can force
14. Right to Information:
15. Right to Justice: Article 27(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to justice to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to a fair and impartial trial, and to access justice through competent courts or other adjudicatory mechanisms.
16. Right to Health: Article 15 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to health to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to access healthcare services, and the State is obliged to take measures to provide healthcare facilities and promote public health.
17. Right to a Clean Environment: Article 18A of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to a clean environment to all citizens. This right ensures that every citizen has the right to a clean and healthy environment, and the State is obliged to protect and improve the environment.
18. Right to a Fair Wage: Article 34 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to a fair wage to all citizens. This right ensures that every worker has the right to a fair and reasonable wage, and the State is obliged to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
19. Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of the Community: Article 19 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the right to participate in the cultural life of the community to all citizens. This right ensures that citizens have the right to participate in cultural activities and to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications.
20. Right to Privacy: Although there is no specific provision in the Constitution of Bangladesh guaranteeing the right to privacy, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has held that the right to privacy is an implied fundamental right under the Constitution. This right ensures that citizens have the right to privacy and the protection of their personal information.

These fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Bangladesh are crucial for the development of a just and democratic society. The Constitution of Bangladesh recognizes these rights as inviolable and non-negotiable, and the State is obliged to protect and promote these rights. However, the realization of these fundamental rights depends on the effective implementation of laws and policies by the State. The citizens of Bangladesh need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and actively participate in the democratic process to ensure the protection and promotion of their fundamental rights.