Article 76 Standing committees of Parliament
Standing committees of Parliament
Committees are where detailed scrutiny of government spending and policy happens. For businesses and citizens, committee hearings are often where Bills affecting them are examined and changed.
Early in a Parliament's term, the House appoints the Public Accounts Committee, the Committee of Privileges and standing committees on each ministry, choosing members from among MPs under Article 76(1) and (2). Membership usually reflects party strength in the House.
After a Bill is introduced, it is usually referred to the relevant standing committee. The committee examines it clause by clause and reports back to the House, often recommending amendments before the final vote. The House then considers the Bill in the light of that report.
On a matter of public importance referred by Parliament, a committee can inquire into a ministry's administration and require it to send an authorised representative to provide information and answer questions orally or in writing.
The Public Accounts Committee examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on government accounts. It questions officials about irregular spending and recommends action, linking Parliament's scrutiny to the audit system. Its findings are reported to the full House.
In plain English
How Article 76 works
Article 76 requires Parliament to appoint standing committees from among its members. Three are mandatory: a public accounts committee, a committee of privileges, and any others that the rules of procedure require. Parliament must also appoint other standing committees, usually one for each ministry. These committees can examine draft Bills, review how laws are enforced, and investigate a ministry's activities on matters of public importance referred by Parliament, requiring information and answers. Parliament may give committees powers by law to summon witnesses, take evidence on oath and demand documents.
In practice
Standing committees on each ministry have been a regular feature of the Jatiya Sangsad since the 1990s, and each new Parliament forms them early in its term. Their effectiveness has often been questioned, particularly where government members chair committees overseeing their own ministries. In the 2025 reform talks, parties agreed that the chairs of the Public Accounts Committee, the Committee on Estimates, the Committee on Public Undertakings and the Committee of Privileges should go to the opposition in proportion to seats. As reported, this is a proposal and is not part of Article 76.
The text
What Article 76 says
76. (1) [* * *] Parliament shall appoint from among its members the following standing committees, that is to say –
(a) a public accounts committee;
(b) committee of privileges; and
(c) such other standing committees as the rules of procedure of Parliament require.
(2) In addition to the committees referred to in clause (1), Parliament shall appoint other standing committees, and a committee so appointed may, subject to this Constitution and to any other law -
(a) examine draft Bills and other legislative proposals;
(b) review the enforcement of laws and propose measures for such enforcement;
(c) in relation to any matter referred to it by Parliament as a matter of public importance, investigate or inquire into the activities or administration of a Ministry and may require it to furnish, through an authorised representative, relevant information and to answer questions, orally or in writing;
(d) perform any other function assigned to it by Parliament.
(3) Parliament may by law confer on committees appointed under this article powers for –
(a) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise;
(b) compelling the production of documents.
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
- Fourth Amendment 1975Omitted the words "At its first meeting in each session" from clause (1).
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 76: frequently asked questions
What are the standing committees of the Bangladesh Parliament?
Article 76 requires a public accounts committee, a committee of privileges and other committees required by the rules of procedure, plus further standing committees, in practice one for each ministry. They scrutinise Bills, the enforcement of laws and ministry administration.
Can parliamentary committees summon officials?
A committee may require a ministry to provide information and answer questions through an authorised representative under Article 76(2)(c). Powers to enforce attendance of witnesses and compel production of documents depend on a law made by Parliament under clause (3).
Sources
- Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Article 76 (Laws of Bangladesh)
- Prothom Alo English: MPs may enjoy freedom in parliament except on no confidence motions, finance bills (June 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
Need to rely on Article 76?
Our lawyers advise on writ petitions, fundamental rights and public law before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.