Article 9 Bangalee nationalism
Nationalism
Article 9 shapes official ideas of national identity in schools, culture and public life. It is central to the debate on how the Constitution treats citizens who are not ethnically Bengali.
In force. The July National Charter, backed at the 12 February 2026 referendum, proposes adding or substituting principles such as equality, human dignity, social justice and religious freedom and harmony; as of October 2026 no amendment had been enacted, as reported.
Article 9 says the Bangalee nation draws its identity from its language and culture. The 1952 Language Movement and the shared Bengali heritage are treated as the roots of national unity and of the struggle for statehood.
The article links this nationalism to the united and determined struggle of 1971. State commemorations of Independence Day and Victory Day reflect this principle, and school textbooks present it as part of national history. The principle is also reflected in the national curriculum.
Hill and plains Indigenous communities speak their own languages and have their own cultures. Their representatives argue that an ethnic Bangalee nationalism excludes them, and have called for a civic, inclusive identity instead. Their concern is that the article defines the nation by one ethnicity.
The July National Charter proposes recognising Bangladesh as a country of multiple ethnicities, religions, languages and cultures, and identifying all citizens as Bangladeshis. These were pending proposals as of October 2026. Any change would need an amendment passed by Parliament.
In plain English
How Article 9 works
Article 9 explains the principle of nationalism. It says Bangalee nationalism is based on the unity and solidarity of the Bangalee nation, which takes its identity from its language and culture and won an independent Bangladesh through a united struggle in the war of independence. The idea links national identity to the Bangla language and Bengali culture, reflecting the Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War. Critics say it leaves out Indigenous peoples and other communities who are citizens but not ethnically Bengali. Because it is a principle in Part II, it guides the State but cannot be enforced in court.
In practice
Article 9 was replaced in the late 1970s and the Fifteenth Amendment 2011 restored a version of the 1972 text on Bangalee nationalism. Courts have not enforced it directly, consistent with Article 8(2). The provision is mostly felt in education, culture and state ceremonies. After 2024 the Constitution Reform Commission and the July National Charter proposed a civic national identity and new fundamental principles. As of October 2026 no amendment had been enacted, as reported.
The text
What Article 9 says
[9. The unity and solidarity of the Bangalee nation, which, deriving its identity from its language and culture, attained sovereign and independent Bangladesh through a united and determined struggle in the war of independence, shall be the basis of Bangalee nationalism.]
English text as published on the official Laws of Bangladesh website. Where a court has changed the position, the status note above explains it.
History
Amendments
- Fifteenth Amendment 2011Substituted the former Article 9 with the present text on Bangalee nationalism.
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 9: frequently asked questions
What is Article 9 of the Constitution of Bangladesh?
Article 9 describes Bangalee nationalism: the unity and solidarity of the Bangalee nation, which derives its identity from its language and culture and attained an independent Bangladesh through the war of independence. It explains the nationalism principle in Article 8.
What is the difference between Bangalee and Bangladeshi nationalism?
Bangalee nationalism, in Article 9, ties national identity to Bengali language and culture. Bangladeshi nationalism describes identity by citizenship of the state. Article 6 now uses both labels, and the July National Charter proposes calling all citizens Bangladeshis.
Sources
- bdlaws: The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Article 9
- The Daily Star: Groundwork laid for sweeping constitutional reforms (July National Charter supplement)
- ConstitutionNet: July Charter and Constitutional Reforms in Bangladesh (1 December 2025)
This guide explains the Constitution for general understanding. It is not legal advice. Constitutional reform proposals under discussion in 2026 are described as proposals until enacted.
Constitutional and writ practice
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