Article 23A Cultures of ethnic and minority communities
The culture of tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities
Article 23A matters for culture, mother-tongue education and land-linked traditions of ethnic communities. Its wording is central to the debate on recognising Indigenous peoples.
In force. The July National Charter proposes a new provision recognising Bangladesh as a country of multiple ethnicities, religions, languages and cultures; as of October 2026 no amendment had been enacted, as reported.
Article 23A asks the State to protect and develop the local culture and traditions of ethnic communities. Festivals, languages and customary practices in the hill districts and the plains are covered by this principle. The State is expected to respect them in planning and development.
Government programmes to provide pre-primary textbooks in some ethnic community languages reflect Article 23A. A child can begin learning in their own language before moving to Bangla. These programmes have been introduced gradually in several languages since 2017.
Community leaders argue that the article should recognise Indigenous peoples by that name. The July National Charter proposes recognising Bangladesh as a country of multiple ethnicities, religions, languages and cultures, as a pending reform. No amendment had been passed by October 2026.
In plain English
How Article 23A works
Article 23A was added by the Fifteenth Amendment in 2011. It says the State shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local culture and traditions of the tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities. It is the main constitutional reference to the many ethnic communities of Bangladesh, such as those in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the plains. Many community leaders criticise its wording, because it avoids the term 'Indigenous' and uses labels they consider outdated. As a Part II principle, it guides the State but cannot be enforced in court on its own.
In practice
Article 23A is not enforceable directly. It supports cultural institutes for ethnic communities and some mother-tongue education programmes. Its terminology has been criticised by Indigenous rights groups since 2011. After 2024 the Constitution Reform Commission proposed describing Bangladesh as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country, and the July National Charter adopted that idea. As of October 2026 no amendment had been made, as reported.
The text
What Article 23A says
[23A. The State shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities.]
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 2011Inserted Article 23A.
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 23A: frequently asked questions
What is Article 23A of the Constitution of Bangladesh?
Article 23A, added in 2011, says the State shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities. It is the main constitutional provision on ethnic minority cultures.
Does the Constitution of Bangladesh recognise Indigenous peoples?
Not by that name. Article 23A refers to tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities. The July National Charter proposes recognising Bangladesh as a country of multiple ethnicities, languages and cultures, but as of October 2026 no amendment had been passed.
Sources
- bdlaws: The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Article 23A
- ConstitutionNet: July Charter and Constitutional Reforms in Bangladesh (1 December 2025)
- The Daily Star: Groundwork laid for sweeping constitutional reforms (July National Charter supplement)
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 23A?
Our lawyers advise on writ petitions, fundamental rights and public law before the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.