Abu Jakir :
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced its plan to reveal the Proclamation of July Revolution at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar on 31 December. According to the movement’s leaders, this proclamation will symbolically signify the burial of the “Mujibist Constitution” and aim to redefine the country’s socio-political future.
During a press conference held in Dhaka on Sunday, prominent leaders of the movement outlined their vision for a more equitable society.
Hasnat Abdullah, a key leader, articulated the movement’s objectives, stating: “This proclamation seeks to institutionalise the public’s rejection of the Mujibist Constitution through a legal framework. It will document the aspirations of the people that emerged during the July uprising.”
Abdullah criticised the delay in issuing the proclamation, asserting: “This should have been accomplished on 5 August. The continued postponement has enabled fascist forces to undermine the legitimacy of our movement, despite the sacrifices of over 2,000 martyrs and the injuries sustained by more than 20,000 others.”
The movement’s leadership emphasised that the declaration is not affiliated with any specific political party or class. “This is a people’s proclamation,” Abdullah stressed, adding that the document would outline a vision for a fairer and more inclusive Bangladesh. “We oppose the 1972 Constitution and Mujibist ideals, which perpetuate inequality and authoritarianism.”
Sarjis Alam, another leader, highlighted that the proclamation would embody the aspirations of the July Revolution and could be revised or expanded in the future. The draft has already been shared with various political parties for feedback ahead of the formal announcement.
The event on 31 December is being planned as a non-partisan gathering, with participants expected to include the families of those killed or injured in the July-August uprisings, as well as students, labourers, academics, and other members of society.
Abdul Hannan Masud, another leader, called for widespread participation: “Those who could not join us on 5 August must come to Shaheed Minar on 31 December.”
The movement’s stance has sparked considerable debate, particularly on social media, where hashtags such as #ProclamationOfJulyRevolution and #NowOrNever have gained traction.
Even Asif Mahmud, interim government adviser and former movement coordinator, posted on Facebook: “Now or Never. The proclamation will be our definitive step.”
The announcement has drawn criticism from major political parties.
BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas expressed disapproval of the movement’s call to discard the Constitution. Speaking at an event in Nayapaltan, he said: “The Constitution of 1972 was written with the blood of 30 lakh martyrs. It is not a rough draft to be discarded. Amendments can be made to address any flaws, but outright rejection is a fascist approach.”
Abbas urged the student leaders to reconsider their rhetoric, cautioning that it might alienate supporters and appear authoritarian. “As your elders, we advise you to approach this issue with care and avoid divisive language,” he remarked.
Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, clarified that the proclamation is a private initiative with no governmental involvement. Speaking outside the official residence, he stated: “The government is not associated with this initiative. It is entirely a grassroots effort led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.”
