11-party alliance seeks swift July reforms

Pressing for swift political and institutional changes, the 11-party alliance has called on parliament to take immediate steps to implement the referendum verdict and ensure justice for those responsible for the July massacre.

The alliance submitted a six-point memorandum to Speaker Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday, seeking a clear timeline for constitutional reforms, speedy trials and state support for victims and their families.

A delegation led by Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar handed over the memorandum, which outlined the alliance’s demands for post-July movement reforms.

Earlier in the day, leaders and supporters of the alliance formed a human chain on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, joined by family members of those killed during the July movement, injured victims and participants of the uprising. In the memorandum, the alliance expressed concern over delays in implementing what it described as the verdict of the 12 February referendum and the reform commitments under the July Charter.

The alliance also criticised the pace of legal action against those accused of involvement in the July killings, saying delays in ensuring accountability could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

One of the key demands was the immediate formation of a Constitutional Reform Council to implement the referendum verdict through a specific and time-bound process.

The alliance also demanded a transparent and impartial trial of all individuals accused of involvement in the July massacre, including alleged planners, instigators and collaborators.

It further called for wide-ranging constitutional, legal and institutional reforms to strengthen rule of law, human rights, accountability and good governance.

The memorandum sought government recognition and support for victims of the July movement, including rehabilitation, medical assistance and compensation for families of those killed and injured.

The alliance also urged the government to preserve the history and ideals of the July movement through research, education and institutional initiatives.

As part of its final demand, the group called for opening the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum to the public by 5 August 2026.

The alliance warned that delays in justice and reform measures could deepen political uncertainty and undermine the sacrifices made during the July movement.