Bangladeshi nationality law

The nationality law of Bangladesh, titled the Bangladesh Citizenship Order, governs the issues of citizenship and nationality of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Upon the beginning of the state, Bangladesh law granted citizenship to persons who were permanent residents of the territories that became Bangladesh on 25 March 1971. The wording of the document makes separate mention of those whose father or grandfather was born in the territory and others, but it is unclear that there is any distinction in law between those groups. The law also describes Bengalis who were in West Pakistan during the 1971 war and facing obstacles over returning as permanent residents eligible for Bangladeshi citizenship.

Bangladeshi citizenship is provided primarily jus sanguinis, or through bloodline, irrespectively of the place or legitimacy of the birth. Therefore, any person born to a Bangladeshi woman illegitimately outside Bangladeshi soil would still be a Bangladeshi citizen, whereas a person born to two non-nationals in Bangladesh would not.

Citizenship is acquired at birth when the identity or nationality of the parents is unknown. In this regard, the child is assumed to be born to Bangladeshi nationals, and hence, given citizenship upon birth. Jus soli citizenship is also conferred upon Urdu-speaking people of Bangladesh in May 2008 by a High Court verdict (see below).

Naturalization is not a right of any long-term resident. It is held at the discretion of the Government of Bangladesh, and may be conferred categorically or without certain rights or privileges. Any adult of good character residing in Bangladesh for a period of five years (two, if married to a Bangladeshi), having resided in Bangladesh continuously for 12 months, competent in Bengali language and intending to reside in Bangladesh can apply for naturalisation. If naturalised, the person must forfeit any other nationalities held. Any person who is a citizen of a nation where Bangladeshis are not allowed to naturalise (for instance, Saudi Arabia) is not eligible for naturalisation.

If denied, a person can appeal against the decision in thirty days, where s/he will be heard; s/he cannot appeal if citizenship is conferred without certain rights or privileges. If accepted, a naturalised citizen must take an oath of allegiance within thirty days of the grant. A person is considered naturalised only after the oath.

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