The Penal Code was published on October 6, 1860, and came into force on January 1, 1862, under the title “The Penal Code, 1860.” This law is Act No. 45 of 1860. It is a substantive law, and currently contains 511 sections. The Code defines various offences and their corresponding punishments.

The Penal Code, 1860, was enforced in 1862.

The last section of the Penal Code is Section 511.

Section 6: Definitions under this Code are subject to exceptions

The meanings of the definitions provided in this Code must be understood with reference to exceptions.

When an expression is defined once in the Code, the same meaning will apply throughout the Code wherever the expression appears.

A magistrate who has jurisdiction over a case and refers the case for trial to another court shall not be considered a "Judge".

This section describes common intention in committing a criminal act.

At least two or more persons must be involved in fulfilling a common intention.

Each person involved in the act under Section 34 shall be held liable as if the act were done by him alone.

The essential ingredient of Section 34 is the pre-arranged plan of a criminal act by multiple persons.

If several persons commit a criminal act with criminal knowledge or intention, each one shall be equally liable for that act under the provisions of Section 35.

For example:

If A, with the intention of committing robbery, sets fire to a locality at night, knowing that such an act may cause death, and as a result, C dies—then A shall be deemed to have caused C’s death voluntarily.

A "Special Law" refers to a law applicable to a specific subject matter.

A "Local Law" is a law that applies only to a particular part of the territory of Bangladesh.

The term "Section" means each of the parts into which any Chapter of the Penal Code is divided, and is distinguished by numerical figures.

Nothing is said to be done or believed in "good faith" which is done or believed without due care and attention.