Staff Reporter :
Leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee (National Citizens’ Committee) have called on the interim government to announce the ‘July Proclamation’ by 15 January.
The demand was voiced during a rally held at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday. Initially planning to announce the ‘July Revolution Proclamation’ during the rally, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement altered its course after the government indicated on Monday its intention to adopt the ‘July Uprising Proclamation’ soon.
As a result, Tuesday’s event was rebranded as the ‘March for Unity,’ drawing participants from across the country under the leadership of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee.
In his address, Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stressed the urgency of formalising the proclamation. “Until now, we have lacked a formal document for the July Uprising. The proclamation must be announced by 15 January,” he stated.
Abdullah urged activists to build public support for the proclamation in the coming days. “Travel to districts, neighbourhoods, and communities to engage with the people. Bring their voices back and incorporate them into our movement,” he said.
He also highlighted the broader goals of the movement, declaring, “Our fight will
continue against the Awami League, the Mujibists, and the fascist state they have created.” Abdullah concluded by pledging to reconvene on 15 January with the proclamation finalised.
Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, praised the government’s decision to engage with all political factions on the proclamation.
“The government’s swift response to initiate this process following the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s call for the ‘July Proclamation’ is a significant victory for us,” he said.
Hossain emphasised the need for timely action, reiterating, “The government must announce the ‘July Proclamation’ by 15 January.”
Nasiruddin Patwari, convenor of the National Citizens’ Committee, outlined his vision for the forthcoming proclamation. “The proclamation must honour the bloodshed of every martyr, address the institutions destroyed over the past 53 years, and include a roadmap for their reconstruction,” he said.
Patwari warned against further delays, stating, “If swift action is not taken, the youth of Bengal will take justice into their own hands. Intimidation and corruption will not be tolerated in the new Bangladesh.”
He also emphasised the importance of accountability, saying, “Our future efforts will ensure Sheikh Hasina is brought to trial on Bengali soil and permanently disqualified from power.”
Samantha Sharmin, spokesperson for the Citizens’ Committee, echoed the collective demand. “If the ‘July Proclamation’ is not announced by 15 January, students and citizens will have no choice but to return to the streets,” she warned.
Urging vigilance, Sharmin concluded, “Remain on the streets until justice and reforms are achieved.”
The rally at Shaheed Minar represents a pivotal moment in the movement’s fight against systemic discrimination, setting the stage for what could be a historic proclamation later this month.
