Bangladesh Human Rights Networks


human rights in constitution

Human rights and freedom of expression in the constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh ensured freedom of speech and expression. In the article 39 (1, 2) of chapter-3 of this constitution these have been stated: 39 (1) Freedom of thought and conscience is guaranteed. Freedom of thought and conscience, and of speech 39 (2) Subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offense - a) the right of every citizen of freedom of speech and expression; (b) freedom of the press, are guaranteed. Some reasonable restrictions found in these articles are as follows- (a) Against the interest of security of the State (b) Against the friendly relation with foreign state (c) Violation of public order (d) Violation of decency or morality (e) Anything related to contempt of court (f) Defamation or incitement to any offense Compilation: Mir Masrur Zaman & Riaz Uddin Khan Source: Mass-line Media Centre (MMC) In the constitution of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Human Rights have been described in the part three. From the clauses 26-47. Which are the essence of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948 and mentioned as Fundamental Rights. - Mir Masrur Zaman Part III Fundamental rights ______________________________ 26 (1) All existing law inconsistent with the provisions of this Part shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, become void on the commencement of this Constitution. Laws inconsistent with fundamental rights to be void. 26 (2) The State shall not make any law inconsistent with any provisions of this Part, and any law so made shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be void. 26 (3) Nothing in this article shall apply to any amendment of this Constitution made under article 142. * 27 All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law. - Equality before law 28 (1) The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Discrimination on grounds of religion' etc. 28 (2) Women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the State and of public life. 28 (3) No citizen shall, on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth be subjected to any disability, liability, restriction or condition with regard to access to any place of public entertainment or resort, or admission to any educational institution. 28 (4) Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making special provision in favor of women or children or for the advancement of any backward section of citizens. ______________________________ * clause (3) was added by the Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1973 (Act XXIV of 1973),s.2.

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