Bangladesh: Restriction eased on Religion in Politics

The Daily Star
July 1, 2011

Front Page

Religion in Politics
Restriction eased

Staff Correspondent

Parliament yesterday eased constitutional restrictions on the use of religion in politics to make way for Islamist parties to continue functioning.

After cancellation of the Fifth Amendment last year, the stringent restrictions on the use of religion in politics, imposed by the 1972 constitution, were restored. But the House did not enforce the ban considering the prevailing political situation.

The proviso of Article-38 of the 1972 constitution was made immediately after the country's independence. It banned the use of religion for political purpose.

"No person shall have the right to form, or be a member or otherwise take part in the activities of any communal or other association or union which in the name or on the basis of any religion has for its object or pursues, a political purpose,” said the proviso.

But the latest amendment eased the limitations, allowing them to form and continue function of a political party in the name or on the basis of any religion.

The changes, however, discourage not to form any party for the purpose of destroying the religious, social and communal harmony among the citizens.

During the passage of the bill yesterday, lawmakers belonging to Workers Party and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal strongly opposed easing the restrictions. They proposed retaining the restrictions imposed by the 1972 constitution.