Today is National Constitution Day: Bangladesh's constitution was adopted in the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1972

Today, 4 November, is Bangladesh's National Constitution Day. On this day in 1972, the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was adopted in the Constituent Assembly. It came into force the same year on 16 December, Victory Day. It is the supreme law of independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

For drafting the constitution, a 34-member committee was formed on 11 April 1972 with Dr Kamal Hossain as its chairman. From 17 April to 3 October that year, the committee met at various stages.

Public opinion was invited during that time. Of the opinions received, 98 recommendations were accepted, according to the account of the day.

On 12 October 1972, the draft constitution was presented as a bill in the second session of the Constituent Assembly. It was later adopted in the Assembly on 4 November.

The original constitution had 11 parts, 153 articles and seven schedules. Nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism were recognised in it as the four fundamental principles of state policy.

The original constitution was written in English and was later translated into Bangla. The constitution therefore exists in both Bangla and English. However, if a difference in meaning arises between the Bangla and English texts, the Bangla text is to be followed.

A committee was formed with Dr Anisuzzaman as convener to review the Bangla version of the constitution. Syed Ali Ahsan and Mazharul Islam were in the committee as language experts.

Bangladesh's constitution is not only the supreme law of the state; it also determines the fundamental character of the state, its geographical boundaries and the basis of running the state. Under the constitution, Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign and republican state. Democracy will be the basis of running the state, the people will be the source of all power, and the judiciary will be independent.

The preamble of the constitution, referring to the declaration of independence on 26 March 1971, states that through the historic liberation struggle Bangladesh was established as an independent and sovereign people's republic. It also pledges to adopt nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism — the ideals that inspired the liberation struggle — as the fundamental principles of the constitution.

The preamble pledges to establish the rule of law, fundamental human rights, freedom, equality and political, economic and social justice. It also expresses the resolve to uphold the supremacy of the constitution as a reflection of the people's will and to contribute to international peace and cooperation.