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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Elections & Politics

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From Daily Star · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The President of Bangladesh takes a 51-word oath of office but is not required to take a separate oath of secrecy.
  • Unlike the president, the prime minister and cabinet members must take an additional oath of secrecy.
  • Officials explain this distinction by noting the president's role is largely ceremonial, lacking executive responsibilities that would necessitate secrecy.

The President of Bangladesh assumes office with a 51-word constitutional oath, a process distinct from that of the prime minister and cabinet members who must also take an oath of secrecy.

The presidential oath, outlined in the Third Schedule of the Constitution, requires the president to "faithfully discharge the duties of the office of President of Bangladesh according to law." It also includes pledges to "bear true faith and allegiance to Bangladesh," "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution," and "do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

However, this oath is complete once recited. In contrast, the prime minister and other cabinet members are mandated to take a separate oath of secrecy in addition to their oath of office. This requirement stems from their executive roles and the potential for constitutional accountability related to state governance.

Officials familiar with the matter explained that the presidency in Bangladesh is primarily a ceremonial post. As such, the president does not hold executive responsibilities involving state liability, making a separate oath of secrecy unnecessary. The provisions for such oaths are generally reserved for individuals whose duties involve executing state governance and could be held constitutionally accountable.

The president does not hold executive responsibilities involving state liability.

โ€” Cabinet Division officialsExplanation for why the president does not take a separate oath of secrecy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.