Legal System of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is located in South Asia. It is geographically situated in southern asia, bordering the bay of bengal, between burma and india. The country achieved independence on 16 december 1971 (from pakistan). The capital is Dhaka.

Government Overview

Government Type: parliamentary republic Chief of State: President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi (since 24 April 2023) Head of Government: Interim Prime Minister Muhammad YUNUS (since 8 August 2024) Cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister, appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 8 divisions; Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet National Holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971); Victory Day, 16 December (1971) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Bangladesh is described as common law, incorporating elements of English common law; since independence, statutory law has been the primary form of legislation; Islamic law applies to Muslims in family and inheritance laws, with Hindu personal law applying to Hindus and Buddhists International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1935, 1956, 1962 (pre-independence); latest enacted 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended March 1982, restored November 1986 Amendment Process: proposed by the House of the Nation; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the House membership and assent of the president of the republic

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court of Bangladesh (organized into the Appellate Division with 7 justices and the High Court Division with 99 justices) Judge Selection: chief justice and justices appointed by the president; justices serve until retirement at age 67 Subordinate Courts: civil courts include: Assistant Judge’s Court; Joint District Judge’s Court; Additional District Judge’s Court; District Judge’s Court; criminal courts include: Court of Sessions; Court of Metropolitan Sessions; Metropolitan Magistrate Courts; Magistrate Court; special courts/tribunals

Legislative Branch

Note: note: the Parliament (House of the Nation) was dissolved on 6 August 2024 by President Mohammad SHAHABUDDIN Chuppi following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wazed on 5 August 2024; new national elections will be held in February 2026

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Bangladesh Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

The huge delta region at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems – now referred to as Bangladesh – was a loosely incorporated outpost of various empires for much of the first millennium A.D. Muslim conversions and settlement in the region began in the 10th century, primarily from Arab and Persian traders and preachers. Europeans established trading posts in the area in the 16th century.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Bangladesh based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.