Article 23 National culture
National culture
Article 23 underpins public funding for culture, language and the arts, from book fairs to folk music programmes. It also supports heritage protection in planning decisions.
Article 23 asks the State to foster and improve the national language and literature. The Bangla Academy and the annual Ekushey book fair are examples of state support for language and writing. The book fair is held every February.
The article aims to give all sections of the people the chance to take part in national culture. Public funding for music, theatre and folk arts in districts helps people outside Dhaka to participate. District cultural offices organise local events.
The State must conserve cultural traditions and heritage. Archives, museums and cultural programmes record music, crafts and festivals so they are passed on to future generations. The aim is that culture is protected for the whole nation, not only for one community or region, and that it remains accessible to ordinary people.
In plain English
How Article 23 works
Article 23 asks the State to protect the cultural traditions and heritage of the people. It also asks the State to develop the national language, literature and the arts so that all sections of the people can contribute to and take part in enriching national culture. In practice this supports public institutions such as the Bangla Academy, the Shilpakala Academy, public libraries and cultural festivals. It does not give anyone a right to sue the State. Article 23A, added in 2011, deals separately with the cultures of ethnic minorities and other communities.
In practice
Article 23 is implemented through cultural institutions, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and support for national festivals. It is not enforceable in court on its own. Article 24 on monuments and Article 23A on the cultures of minority communities sit alongside it. Debates after 2024 on inclusive national identity have also touched on how culture is defined in Part II.
The text
What Article 23 says
23. The State shall adopt measures to conserve the cultural traditions and heritage of the people, and so to foster and improve the national language, literature and the arts that all sections of the people are afforded the opportunity to contribute towards and to participate in the enrichment of the national culture.
English text as published on the official Laws of Bangladesh website. Where a court has changed the position, the status note above explains it.
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 23: frequently asked questions
What is Article 23 of the Constitution of Bangladesh?
Article 23 says the State shall adopt measures to conserve the cultural traditions and heritage of the people and to foster the national language, literature and the arts so that all sections of the people can contribute to national culture.
Does Article 23 protect minority cultures?
Article 23 speaks of the culture of the people as a whole. Specific protection for the cultures of tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities was added in 2011 through Article 23A. Both are principles that guide the State rather than enforceable rights.
Sources
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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