Schedule 6 · Sixth Schedule The 26 March 1971 declaration
Declaration of Independence of 26 March 1971
26 March is Independence Day, and the Schedule records the version of the declaration adopted in the Constitution. Who declared independence has long been politically contested, which makes this Schedule a focus of debate.
In force. The Constitution Reform Commission proposed in January 2025 that Article 150(2) and the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Schedules be repealed; this is a proposal only and has not been enacted as of 2026.
On the night of 25 March 1971 the Pakistan army began a military crackdown in Dhaka. Shortly after midnight, according to the Schedule, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent a message declaring independence before he was arrested.
The message says that from today Bangladesh is independent and calls on the people, wherever they are and with whatever they have, to resist the army of occupation until the last soldier is expelled and final victory is achieved.
The Fifteenth Amendment in 2011 added the message as the Sixth Schedule. Article 150(2) calls it the telegram of the Declaration of Independence and deems it a transitional provision for 7 March 1971 to 16 December 1972.
The Constitution Reform Commission recommended in January 2025 that Article 150(2) and Schedules Five to Seven be repealed. As of 2026 no such amendment has been made, and the text remains in the official Constitution.
In plain English
How Sixth Schedule works
The Sixth Schedule sets out the text of a declaration of independence attributed to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, made shortly after midnight on 25 March 1971, that is, in the early hours of 26 March, after the Pakistan army's crackdown began. The message declares that from that day Bangladesh is independent and calls on the people to resist the occupation army until final victory. The Schedule was added by the Fifteenth Amendment in 2011. Article 150(2) describes it as the telegram of the Declaration of Independence and treats it as a transitional provision for 1971 to 1972.
In practice
The Sixth Schedule records one account of the declaration of independence; other declarations broadcast in March 1971, including from Chattogram, form part of the historical record, and the question has long been politically contested. The Schedule has no operative effect on present-day government because Article 150(2) confines it to the 1971 to 1972 period. It was added by the Fifteenth Amendment in 2011, and the Constitution Reform Commission's 2025 proposal to remove it has not been enacted.
The text
What Sixth Schedule says
SIXTH SCHEDULE
[Article 150(2)]
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
THE FATHER OF THE NATION, BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT OF 25TH MARCH, i.e. EARLY HOURS OF 26TH MARCH, 1971
"This may be my last message, from today Bangladesh is independent. ..."
Key clauses shown. Omitted text is marked with an ellipsis; read the full text on the official site.
English text as published on the official Laws of Bangladesh website. The Bangla text is authoritative (Article 153). Where a court has changed the position, the status note above explains it.
History
Amendments
- Fifteenth Amendment 2011 →Added the Sixth Schedule (section 50).
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Sixth Schedule: frequently asked questions
What is the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of Bangladesh?
It sets out the text of the declaration of independence attributed to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shortly after midnight of 25 March 1971. It was added by the Fifteenth Amendment in 2011 and is linked to Article 150(2).
Does the Sixth Schedule have legal effect today?
Only as a historical transitional provision. Article 150(2) deems it a transitional and temporary provision for the period from 7 March 1971 to 16 December 1972, so it does not govern how the state operates today.
Sources
- Laws of Bangladesh: Schedules to the Constitution (PDF)
- Laws of Bangladesh: The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
- Dhaka Tribune: Constitution Reform Commission proposals
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 Sixth Schedule?
Our lawyers advise on writ petitions, fundamental rights and public law before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
