Volume 7: War and Post-War Legislation (1914-1925)
Coverage: Act No. II of 1914 to Act No. XXVI of 1925
Period: 1914-1925
Historical Context: World War I impact and post-war reconstruction, including social reforms and economic regulation.
Overview
This volume spans the tumultuous period of World War I and its aftermath, capturing legislation that responded to wartime needs, social changes, and post-war reconstruction. The period saw significant developments in social regulation, economic controls, and administrative reforms reflecting the changing nature of colonial governance.
Historical Significance
- World War I Impact: Legislation responding to wartime conditions and needs
- Social Reform Movement: Progressive legislation on social issues and welfare
- Economic Regulation: Wartime and post-war economic controls
- Media and Culture: Early cinema regulation and cultural legislation
- Public Health: Comprehensive approach to health and safety
Key Legislation Highlights
⭐ The Cinematograph Act, 1918
Cultural Regulation Milestone: Early media and entertainment regulation - Cinema Industry: Systematic regulation of film exhibition - Public Morality: Content control and censorship framework - Safety Standards: Fire safety and public safety in theaters - Cultural Development: Support for emerging entertainment industry - Modern Media: Foundation for broadcasting and media regulation
🏭 The Usurious Loans Act, 1918
Financial Protection: Protection against exploitative lending - Consumer Protection: Safeguards against predatory lending - Economic Justice: Fair lending practices regulation - Social Welfare: Protection of vulnerable borrowers - Commercial Regulation: Banking and finance industry oversight - Legal Remedies: Court intervention in unfair contracts
🏛️ The Hindu Disposition of Property Act, 1916
Personal Law Reform: Property rights and inheritance regulation - Women's Rights: Enhanced property rights for Hindu women - Family Law: Systematic approach to inheritance and succession - Social Reform: Progressive changes in traditional practices - Legal Equality: Enhanced legal status for women - Property Security: Clear frameworks for property transfer
🦠 The Poisons Act, 1919
Public Health Protection: Regulation of dangerous substances - Public Safety: Control over poisonous substances - Medical Regulation: Pharmaceutical and medical safety - Industrial Safety: Workplace safety and chemical handling - Legal Framework: Criminal law provisions for poison-related crimes - Health Administration: Public health infrastructure development
Volume Statistics
- Total Acts: 25 pieces of legislation
- War Period: 1914-1918 wartime legislation
- Post-War Period: 1919-1925 reconstruction legislation
- Social Reform: 40% focused on social welfare and rights
- Economic Regulation: 35% addressing economic and commercial issues
- Innovation Level: High - pioneering approaches to modern challenges
Thematic Analysis
🎬 Culture and Media
- Cinema Regulation: Early entertainment industry legislation
- Cultural Development: Support for arts and culture
- Public Morality: Social standards and content regulation
- Technology Adaptation: Response to new media technologies
💰 Economic and Financial
- Loan Regulation: Protection against usurious practices
- Company Law: Foreign investment and business regulation
- Cotton Industry: Textile trade and manufacturing
- Local Finance: Municipal and local authority funding
👥 Social Welfare and Rights
- Property Rights: Enhanced rights for women and families
- Child Protection: Juvenile smoking and welfare legislation
- Animal Welfare: Early animal protection laws
- Public Health: Comprehensive health and safety measures
🏛️ Administrative Modernization
- Record Management: Systematic document destruction procedures
- Local Government: Municipal administration and pensions
- Public Service: Government employee welfare
- Legal Procedure: Court and administrative improvements
War Period Impact
Wartime Legislation (1914-1918): - Economic Controls: Regulation of essential commodities - Security Measures: Public safety and order legislation - Resource Management: Efficient use of limited resources - Social Adaptation: Response to changing social conditions
Post-War Reconstruction (1919-1925): - Social Reform: Progressive social legislation - Economic Recovery: Commercial and trade regulation - Administrative Reform: Government modernization - Cultural Development: Arts and entertainment industry support
International Standards Alignment
This volume incorporated international trends: - Social Reform Movement: Global progressive social legislation - Economic Regulation: International commercial law standards - Public Health: World Health Organization precursor principles - Media Regulation: International approaches to cinema and broadcasting - Women's Rights: Early international women's rights movement
Legacy and Modern Relevance
Continuing Influence: - Media Law: Foundation of Bangladesh broadcasting regulation - Consumer Protection: Basis of modern financial regulation - Property Rights: Enhanced women's property rights framework - Public Health: Systematic approach to health and safety regulation
Historical Significance: - Social Progress: Early social reform and welfare legislation - Economic Development: Commercial law and trade regulation - Cultural Foundation: Entertainment and media industry development - Administrative Evolution: Modern governance and public service
Index of Volume 7
Navigation
This volume documents the legislative response to World War I and its aftermath, establishing frameworks for social reform, economic regulation, and cultural development that influenced modern Bangladesh.