The Constitution of 1972 and the Gen Z

The Constitution is a sacred symbol of a state’s existence, civil rights and democratic values, which is considered a beacon of justice and freedom for every person in the country.

It is not only a law, but also a living document of the hopes, aspirations, unity and self-respect of a nation, which is also the basis of national identity.

Similarly, the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh is not only a legal document, it is an indestructible epic of the soil of Bengal soaked in the blood of 3 million martyrs.

It is a mirror of our existence, where the dream of a nation for a millennium is reflected.

The main leadership of the Bangladesh Liberation War was called the ’embodiment of the will of the people’.

This constitution, obtained after a long liberation struggle and bloody war, is the protector of our national identity.

For this reason, the importance of this constitution is immense for today’s ‘ Gen Z ‘ or new generation, because it identifies them as not a tribal or group identity, but as proud citizens of an independent-sovereign democratic state.

As the poet says, “Where the mind is fearless, the head is high”-the 1972 Constitution is the Himalayan foundation for the Bengalis to stand tall.

Some aspects of the original constitution of Bangladesh are highlighted here with brief descriptions: According to Article 7(1) of the Constitution, the people are the owners of all powers in the republic. This is not just a word, but the key to running the state.

This declaration that the will of the citizen is the last word of the state, blocks the way to dictatorship.

Article 11 clearly declares that ensuring effective participation of the people in administration shall be the main goal of democracy.

This is the first step in building a non-discriminatory society, where the opinion of the people is reflected through the ballot.

The secularism described in Article 12 does not mean irreligion, but rather preventing the political misuse of religion and ensuring equal dignity of people of all religions.

This is the legal form of the thousand-year-old communal harmony of the Bengalis.

Article 10 promises to free people from exploitation of people. The goal of this philosophy was to bring about economic equality through a just society and equitable distribution.

Article 9 states that the unity that the Bengali nation has fought for in linguistic and cultural unity will be the basis of nationalism. This is the fundamental basis of our ethnic identity.

Part III of the Constitution (Articles 26-47) ensures the freedom of movement, speech and security of life of the people. If any law conflicts with fundamental rights, it will be considered null and void.

The Constitution of 1972 speaks of a strong parliamentary system, where the government is directly accountable to the representatives of the people. This is the best way to maintain the balance of power.

Article 22 promises to separate the judiciary from the executive. The Constitution of 1972 realized that if the judiciary is not independent, the rights of citizens remain only on paper.

According to Article 27, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. No one is above the law, be it king or subjects.

This equality is the backbone of a modern state.

Article 13 recognizes the ownership of the means of production by the people. This proves that the state does not belong to any capitalist, but to the common working people.

According to Article 122, the right to vote has been ensured to all adult citizens, regardless of religion, caste or gender. This ensures the direct participation of citizens in the democratic process.

Article 118 talks about an independent election commission, which will protect the continuity of democracy by holding free and fair elections.

Article 15 declares the satisfaction of basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care as the primary duty of the state.

Article 77 provides for the appointment of ‘ombudsmen’ to prevent abuse of government power, which is a symbol of good governance and transparency.

Article 142 lays down the procedure for amending the Constitution, so that the Constitution can be further enriched in the interest of the people in accordance with the needs of the times.

This has made the Constitution a ‘living document’. Article 3 recognizes ‘Bangla’ as the state language.

It has given constitutional status to the great victory of the Language Movement of 1952.

Article 28(2) states that men and women shall have equal rights at all levels of state and public life. This is a great safeguard for the women of all.

Article 18(a) pledges to protect and develop the environment for present and future generations, which is a very modern thought in the context of today’s global climate crisis.

Article 25 adopts the policy of opposing imperialism and racism and establishing friendly relations with all countries and world peace.

Articles 4 and 5 give constitutional recognition to ‘My Golden Bengal’ and the red-green flag, which are our sources of passion and inspiration.

At this stage of the article, here are some suggestions to avoid confusion for the Gen Z: One should not be confused by the flashy information on social media but should judge the opinions of patriotic researchers and jurists on the Constitution. It is difficult to understand deep philosophy without proper guidance.

It is important to read the ‘original text’ of the Constitution directly before listening to any third-party explanation. This can prevent misinterpretation of the main message.

To understand why and in what context the Constitution was made, it is necessary to know the history of 52 to 71.

Knowledge of history will make you understand the importance of each word mentioned in the Constitution.

As a citizen, your rights are written in the Constitution. If you know your rights, no one will be able to mislead you or exploit you.

Every issue should be analyzed logically and scientifically, without being influenced by emotions or rumors. If you look at it with logic, you will understand how modern the Constitution of 72 was.

In the current digital age, a lot of wrong information or ‘mis-information’ is spread. For any information on the constitution, it is better to rely on the government gazette or a reliable library.

The constitution should be read as an impartial citizen, removing political glasses. Only then will its great human aspects emerge.

A lot of confusion is spread about the constitution on social media. One of the civic responsibilities of Gen Z is to verify the authenticity of any sensitive matter before sharing it.

Respect for the supreme law of the country is the main condition of citizenship.

The citizen’s contract with the state is concluded through the constitution, so insulting it is an insult to the state.

Gen Z should participate in constructive debates on various sections of the constitution in clubs, universities or online. The real truth comes out only through intellectual struggle.

Finally I want say, The 1972 constitution is our legacy, our pride. If the Gen Z generation can understand this constitution with their hearts, Bangladesh will never lose its way.

This is not just a law, it is a map of the bloody harvest of our independence.

Let us, by embracing the ideals of this sacred document, build a prosperous and non-discriminatory Bangladesh.

(The author is an Essayist, Spoken Writer, and President of the International Anti Drug Organization- Freedom International Anti-Alcohol)