Article 24 National monuments and heritage sites
National monuments, etc.
Developers and property owners need to check whether a site is protected heritage before building. Article 24 supports the legal protection of such sites.
Article 24 asks the State to protect monuments and places of special historic or artistic importance. The Department of Archaeology lists protected sites, such as ancient monasteries and historic mosques, under the Antiquities Act. Listing restricts alteration or removal of the site.
A developer plans to demolish an old building in Old Dhaka. Local residents and heritage groups object that it is historically important and ask the authorities to protect it under Article 24 and planning law.
Heritage campaigners file a public interest writ. The court can stay demolition while it examines whether the authorities have followed the law, with Article 24 serving as a guide to the State's duty. Planning authorities must then justify their approvals.
In plain English
How Article 24 works
Article 24 asks the State to protect monuments, objects and places of special artistic or historic importance from disfigurement, damage or removal. This covers sites from ancient Buddhist monasteries and mosques to colonial buildings and memorials of the Liberation War. In practice, the Department of Archaeology protects listed sites under the Antiquities Act, and planning authorities are expected to consider heritage when approving construction. Like other Part II principles, Article 24 is not enforceable directly in court, but it is often cited in public interest cases seeking to stop the demolition of heritage buildings.
In practice
Article 24 is implemented through the Antiquities Act and heritage protections in urban planning rules. It is not enforceable by itself, but heritage groups have used public interest writs, relying on statutes and the State's duty under Article 24, to seek stays on demolition of historic buildings in Dhaka and elsewhere. Courts expect planning authorities to consider heritage when approving construction near protected sites.
The text
What Article 24 says
24. The State shall adopt measures for the protection against disfigurement, damage or removal of all monuments, objects or places of special artistic or historic importance or interest.
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 24: frequently asked questions
What is Article 24 of the Constitution of Bangladesh?
Article 24 says the State shall adopt measures to protect all monuments, objects or places of special artistic or historic importance or interest against disfigurement, damage or removal. It applies to sites of national, artistic and historical importance.
Can a heritage building be demolished in Bangladesh?
It depends on its legal status. Sites protected under the Antiquities Act or listed in planning rules cannot lawfully be damaged or removed without approval. Article 24 sets the State's duty, and courts can be asked to stop unlawful demolition through a writ petition.
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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