Secularism in the Constitution of Bangladesh: A Legal Analysis

Abstract

Secularism is a foundational principle in the Constitution of Bangladesh, reflecting the nation's commitment to religious harmony and pluralism. Although the original 1972 Constitution declared secularism as one of its core principles, the political and social transformations of subsequent decades altered its application. The removal of secularism during the constitutional amendments in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by its partial reinstatement in 2011 through the 15th Amendment, reflects Bangladesh's evolving socio-political landscape. The current constitutional framework promotes secularism while recognizing Islam as the state religion, creating a unique balance between the secular and religious aspects of governance. This duality often leads to debates about the interpretation and implementation of secular values in areas like law, education, and public policy. This abstract explores the historical evolution of secularism in Bangladesh’s Constitution, the challenges it faces in practice, and its implications for ensuring religious freedom, equality, and social harmony. It highlights the need for nuanced policy approaches to uphold constitutional principles while respecting the nation’s diverse cultural and religious fabric.