Article 25 International peace, security and solidarity
Promotion of international peace, security and solidarity
Article 25 explains Bangladesh's support for UN peacekeeping, peaceful dispute settlement and international law. It shapes how the State approaches treaties, boundary disputes and refugee crises.
Article 25 says the State shall base its international relations on sovereignty, equality, non-interference, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for international law and the UN Charter. These principles guide the work of the foreign ministry and the government's choices at the United Nations and in regional bodies.
Bangladesh took its maritime boundary disputes with Myanmar and India to international tribunals rather than using force. The tribunals' awards settled the sea boundaries, in line with the commitment to peaceful settlement. Both awards were accepted by the parties.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Its troops and police serve abroad in support of international peace and security, which reflects the aims set out in Article 25. Bangladesh has contributed to UN missions since 1988.
In plain English
How Article 25 works
Article 25 sets out the principles of Bangladesh's foreign policy. The State must base its international relations on respect for national sovereignty and equality, non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law and the United Nations Charter. On that basis it shall work for the renunciation of force and for general and complete disarmament, uphold every people's right to choose their own social, economic and political system, and support oppressed peoples fighting imperialism, colonialism or racism. A former clause (2) on relations with Muslim countries was removed in 2011.
In practice
Article 25 is not enforceable in court, but it guides foreign policy and is cited in debates on treaties and international crises. Bangladesh resolved its maritime boundaries with Myanmar (2012) and India (2014) through international tribunals, and it is a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping. The Fifteenth Amendment 2011 removed the former clause (2) on fraternal relations among Muslim countries. Treaties are dealt with under Article 145A.
The text
What Article 25 says
25. [***] The State shall base its international relations on the principles of respect for national sovereignty and equality, non interference in the internal affairs of other countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the United Nations Charter, and on the basis of those principles shall –
(a) strive for the renunciation of the use of force in international relations and for general and complete disarmament;
(b) uphold the right of every people freely to determine and build up its own social, economic and political system by ways and means of its own free choice; and
(c) support oppressed peoples throughout the world waging a just struggle against imperialism, colonialism or racialism.
[***]
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 2011Omitted the numbering of clause (1) and omitted the former clause (2) on relations with Muslim countries.
Connected provisions
Related articles
Questions
Article 25: frequently asked questions
What is Article 25 of the Constitution of Bangladesh?
Article 25 says Bangladesh shall base its international relations on respect for sovereignty and equality, non-interference, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for international law and the UN Charter, and shall work for disarmament and support oppressed peoples.
Is Bangladesh's foreign policy set by the Constitution?
Its broad principles are. Article 25 sets the foundations, such as peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for international law. Day-to-day foreign policy is decided by the government, treaties are laid before Parliament under Article 145A, and war is governed by Article 63.
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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