The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh is the constitutional document of Bangladesh. It was adopted on 4 November 1972 and went into effect from 16 December 1972. It provides the framework of the Bangladeshi republic with a parliamentary government, fundamental human rights and freedoms, an independent judiciary, democratic local government and a national bureaucracy. The constitution includes references to socialism, secular democracy and Bengali nationalism. It commits Bangladesh to “contribute to international peace and co - operation in keeping with the progressive aspirations of mankind”. The constitution has several controversial elements, such as Article 70, which prohibits members of parliament from voting against their own party.