Substantial equality of treatment; identical treatment under equal circumstances. ‘All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law’ ….. [Art.27 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972].
The idea as contained in this Article is a combination of the English concept of ‘equality before law’ and the American concept of ‘equal protection of laws’.
‘Equality before law’ is not to be interpreted in its absolute sense to hold that all persons are equal in all respects disregarding different conditions and circumstances in which they are placed or special qualities and characteristics which some of them may possess but which are lacking in others. The term ‘protection of equal law’ is used to mean that all persons or things are not equal in all cases and that persons similarly situated should be treated alike. ….. [Sheikh Abdus Sabur Vs. Returning Officer, District Education Office-in-Charge, Gopalgong others, 41 DLR (AD) 30]