Lesson 3: Fundamental State Policies of Bangladesh
According to Bangladesh's original 1972 constitution and the Fifteenth Amendment, the
four fundamental state policies are:
1. Nationalism: Bengali nationalism is based on the unity of the Bengali nation,
based on shared language, culture, and literature. It acknowledges the struggle
for independence and promotes national unity and fraternity.
2. Socialism: Ensures fair economic distribution, impartial justice, and the creation
of an exploitation-free society where all citizens have equal access to
opportunities and resources.
3. Democracy: Aims to involve people in all state activities, ensuring their
fundamental rights, freedoms, and participation in governance, thereby upholding
their dignity and sovereignty.
4. Secularism: Protects the right of every citizen to practice their religion freely and
prevents discrimination or interference based on religious beliefs.
These policies guide every aspect of state administration. The constitution, as the
supreme legal document, represents the nation’s values, and it is the responsibility of all
citizens to honor and uphold it for a prosperous and just society.
Lesson 4: The main characteristics of the Bangladesh Constitution
The Constitution of Bangladesh is the fundamental document guiding the governance
and administration of the state. Just as a building follows a design, the state runs
according to the principles and provisions laid out in the Constitution. It defines the type
of government, citizens' rights, and the powers of various state organs.
History of the Constitution
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Bangladesh declared independence on March 26, 1971, and achieved victory on
December 16, 1971, after a nine-month liberation war.
The first session of the Gonoparishad (Constituent Assembly) was held on
April 10, 1972, where a constitution committee, led by Dr. Kamal Hossain, was
formed.
The draft constitution was presented on October 30, 1972, and approved on
November 4, 1972.
The constitution, described by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as written
with the blood of martyrs, is a sacred document. While it remains fundamental, it
has been amended 17 times, with the latest amendment passed on July 8, 2018.
Main Characteristics of the Constitution
1. People's Republic: Bangladesh is an independent, sovereign republic.
2. Parliamentary System: Real power is vested in the Prime Minister under a
cabinet system.
3. Written Constitution: The Constitution is a written document with 11 parts, 153
articles, and a preamble.
4. Fundamental Principles: The state is guided by Nationalism, Socialism,
Democracy, and Secularism.
5. State Religion: Islam is the state religion, but the rights of all religious groups
are protected.
6. National Identity: The people are identified as "Bangalees," while citizens are
known as "Bangladeshis."
7. Unitary Government: Bangladesh follows a centralized, unitary system of
governance.
8. Unicameral Legislature: The Parliament of Bangladesh is a single-chamber
body comprising 300 members directly elected by the people. Additionally, 50
seats are reserved for women, who are elected by the members of Parliament.
9. Fundamental Rights: The Constitution guarantees and preserves citizens'
fundamental rights.
10. Sovereignty of the People: All state power belongs to the people and is
exercised on their behalf.
11. Judicial Independence: The judiciary operates independently.
12. Universal Adult Franchise: All citizens aged 18 and above can vote without
discrimination.
13. Election Procedure: General elections must be held within 90 days before or
after the dissolution of Parliament.
14. Amendment Process: Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote in
Parliament.
The Constitution remains the cornerstone of governance, ensuring justice, equality, and
rights for all citizens.
Lesson-5: Different organs and functions of the Government of
Bangladesh
The government is the central authority that controls and administers the state. It
ensures essential services like food, education, and security, formulates laws for the
people's welfare, and punishes those who violate them. To carry out these
responsibilities, the government operates through three main organs: the Legislative,
the Executive, and the Judiciary.
Organs of the Government
1. Legislative (Jatiya Sangsad):
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The Jatiya Sangsad is the unicameral parliament of Bangladesh, consisting of
350 members.
o 300 members are directly elected from constituencies.
o 50 seats are reserved for women, elected by the members of parliament
through indirect voting.
The tenure of the Sangsad is five years.
The Speaker presides over sessions and is assisted by the Deputy Speaker.
Both are elected by the members of parliament.
Functions of the Legislative:
o Enacts and amends laws.
o Controls government income, expenditure, and national budget.
o Amends the constitution.
o Oversees allegations against the President.
o Represents public opinion and acts as the guardian of national finances.
2. Executive:
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The executive administers the state and executes laws passed by the legislature.
It includes the head of state (President), the head of government (Prime
Minister), the cabinet, and administrative officers.
The executive ensures internal law and order, manages foreign relations, and
safeguards the nation's sovereignty and defense.
Its primary functions include implementing policies, maintaining peace, and
overseeing national governance.
3. Judiciary:
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The judiciary ensures impartial justice according to the law. It includes judges at
all levels, with the Supreme Court being the highest judicial body.
The Chief Justice leads the judiciary and is appointed by the President.
The Supreme Court has two divisions:
1. Appellate Division
2. High Court Division
Functions of the Judiciary:
1. Delivers justice and punishes offenders.
2. Interprets the constitution and laws.
3. Protects citizens' rights.
4. Investigates cases and resolves disputes.
5. Safeguards the constitution and ensures fair governance.
Summary
Each organ of the government has distinct roles and responsibilities. The Legislative
makes laws, the Executive enforces them, and the Judiciary ensures justice.
Together, these organs work cohesively to govern the state and serve its citizens.
Lesson-6:Structure and Functions of Local Government.
The local government is an elected system responsible for managing local
administration and development. It helps solve regional problems efficiently and
reduces the burden on the central government. Local government exists in both rural
and urban areas.
Structure of Local Government
Rural Local Government
1. Union Parishad – The lowest administrative unit, consisting of a chairman, nine
general members, and three reserved female members (total of 13). Currently,
there are 4,571 Union Parishads.
2. Upazila Parishad—This organization comprises multiple unions, with a
chairman, vice-chairman, woman vice-chairman, and union chairpersons. There
are 492 Upazilas.
3. District Council (Zila Parishad)—This includes multiple Upazilas, with one
chairman and 20 members (five of whom are women). There are 61 district
councils under the Ministry of Local Government, while three (Khagrachari,
Bandarban, and Rangamati) are under the Ministry of Chattogram Hill
Tracts Affairs.
Urban Local Government
1. Pourashava (Municipality) – Covers smaller urban areas, consisting of a
mayor, ward councilors, and reserved female councilors. There are 327
Pourashavas.
2. City Corporation – Governs large metropolitan areas. There are 12 City
Corporations in Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna,
Sylhet, Barishal, Narayanganj, Rangpur, Cumilla, Gazipur, and Mymensingh. The
Mayor is the head, supported by councilors.
Functions of Local Government
1. Union Parishad Functions
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Plans and implements local development.
Ensures clean drinking water and sanitation.
Provides first aid and disaster relief.
Maintains law and order.
Promotes education, family planning, and public health.
Resolves local disputes and raises awareness against crimes.
Collects land taxes and supports economic growth.
2. Upazila Parishad Functions
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Similar to Union Parishad but on a larger scale.
Plans and executes short and long-term development projects.
Builds and maintains roads connecting different unions.
Supervises and coordinates government projects.
3. District Council Functions
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Builds roads, bridges, culverts, and other infrastructures.
Develops education, agriculture, health, and communication facilities.
Manages flood control and irrigation projects.
Supports orphanages, libraries, training centers, and public welfare programs.
4. Pourashava Functions
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Provides clean water and sanitation.
Controls food safety and hygiene.
Maintains roads, parks, and public spaces.
Regulates urban planning and housing construction.
Celebrates national events, supports education, and manages public health.
5. City Corporation Functions
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Similar to Pourashava but on a larger scale.
Manages waste disposal, traffic control, and urban development.
Constructs and maintains roads, buildings, and public facilities.
Plants trees, establishes parks, and preserves green spaces.
Controls the spread of diseases and provides emergency relief.
Lesson-7: Good Governance in Government Administration:
Good Governance and Its Importance
Good governance ensures that a government operates transparently, efficiently, and
according to the constitution. It prioritizes public welfare over individual interests
and ensures accountability, honesty, and rule of law in all sectors.
Key Features of Good Governance:
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Rule of Law – Ensures justice and equal rights for all.
Accountability & Transparency – Government institutions must be responsible
for their actions.
Public Welfare – Focuses on citizen rights, development, and social justice.
Eliminating Corruption – Stops nepotism, bribery, and misuse of power.
Human Rights Protection – Guarantees justice and equality.
Why Good Governance is Essential:
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Helps eliminate poverty and inequality.
Strengthens democracy and justice.
Ensures economic growth and self-reliance.
Maintains law and order.
Challenges to Good Governance:
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Corruption and lack of transparency.
Political instability and misuse of power.
Weak implementation of laws and policies.
Steps to Achieve Good Governance:
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The government must enforce strict laws against corruption.
Citizens should be responsible, aware, and cooperate in maintaining integrity.
Institutions must work efficiently and prioritize public interest.