Article 70 of the Constitution of Bangladesh

Article 70 was written as a result of the Bangladesh Constituent Assembly (Cessation of Membership) Order 1972,[1] promulgated by President Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury.

As a result of Article 70, Bangladesh's parliament has largely served as a rubber stamp for actions taken by the ruling party or coalition.

In Bangladesh, the parliament usually reflects the will of the government, not vice versa as is in the case in a well-functioning Westminster system.

[4] The lack of accountability in parliament gives sweeping powers to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who is often accused of dictatorship.

Political scientists, public intellectuals, journalists, civil rights activists and members of parliament have demanded that Article 70 be reformed.

Bangladesh's parliament is described as a rubber stamp body because of Article 70, as MPs cannot cross the floor or have conscience votes .