The Art of Bangladesh’s First Handwritten Constitution: History and Significance

On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation after a long and arduous liberation struggle. Within just ten months, the country achieved a significant political milestone by drafting its first constitution. While it would have been faster and more practical to print the document using conventional press methods, the government made a symbolic and culturally resonant decision to create a handwritten version. This rare initiative was not merely administrative—it was also an artistic undertaking. Renowned artist Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin was appointed to oversee the creation of this manuscript version, enlisting the expertise of artists from the Faculty of Fine Art (formerly the Institute of Fine Arts) at the University of Dhaka. This initiative positioned the constitution not only as a legal document but also as a unique piece of manuscript art, integrating national identity with visual expression. This research explores the historical context, artistic contributions, and aesthetic qualities of the handwritten constitution of Bangladesh. It investigates the role of the Faculty of Fine Art in this national project. It examines whether there is a deeper connection between the visual elements of the manuscript—its calligraphy, embellishments, and images—and the constitutional principles it enshrines. By doing so, the study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of how art and national identity intersect, and how the manuscript may have influenced subsequent developments in Bangladeshi art and cultural philosophy.