Which of the following is the state religion of Bangladesh, as per the Constitution of Bangladesh?

The correct answer is Islam.

Key Points

• As per the Constitution of Bangladesh, Islam is the state religion.
• Article 2A of the Constitution explicitly mentions Islam as the state religion.
• While Islam is the state religion, the Constitution ensures equal status and equal rights in the practice of other religions.
• Bangladesh is a secular state in practice, promoting religious harmony and coexistence among different religious communities.

Additional Information

• Secularism in Bangladesh:
  • Secularism was one of the original four principles of the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh.
  • The principle was removed during military rule but was reinstated in the Constitution through the 15th Amendment in 2011.
• Religious Demographics:
  • Islam is the religion of about 90% of the population in Bangladesh.
  • Hinduism is the second-largest religion, followed by Buddhism and Christianity.
• Freedom of Religion:
  • The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and permits religious practices of all communities.
  • There are legal protections against religious discrimination.
• Religious Festivals:
  • Major Islamic festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are national holidays.
  • Other religious communities also celebrate their festivals, such as Durga Puja for Hindus and Christmas for Christians.