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The interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, is pushing for constitutional recognition of the student-public uprising against the "fascist" Awami League government in July-August last year, referred to as the "July Declaration."
According to reliable sources, the government has already sent a draft of the July Declaration to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other political parties. The government aims to finalize the declaration by August 5 in collaboration with these parties. Government sources indicate that Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has been tasked with preparing the July Declaration. He has sent a draft to the BNP for review. Sources reveal that the government is keen on granting constitutional recognition to the July Declaration and seeks to include additional elements, necessitating input from political parties. BNP policymakers have identified certain ambiguities in the wording of the government’s draft and plan to propose amendments. Over two consecutive days (Tuesday and Wednesday), the BNP’s National Standing Committee discussed the July Declaration and related reforms in detail. A Standing Committee member told Prothom Alo that the draft mentions the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the Liberation War of 1971, and the public uprising of August 5, 2024. However, it omits key historical events such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1962 Education Movement, and the 1969 Mass Uprising. The BNP may push for their inclusion in the declaration. The draft highlights the struggles of the people in this region for independence over generations, detailing how the student-public protests in 2024 escalated into a mass uprising, leading to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight to India. It also addresses the genocide and crimes against humanity committed by the "fascist" Awami League government during the uprising, as well as the looting of state assets, expressing intent to ensure justice for these crimes. For nearly five months, the government showed little initiative on the matter. However, following pressure from the National Citizens Party (NCP), the Advisory Council decided on May 10 to finalize the July Declaration within 30 working days. Last year, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which led the uprising, announced plans to draft the July Declaration by December 31. However, they stepped back after assurances from the interim government. The government then sent a draft to political parties, and on February 12, the BNP submitted its proposals. No further progress was made for five months until the NCP’s movement prompted renewed action. On Wednesday night, before the BNP Standing Committee meeting, member Salahuddin Ahmed told Prothom Alo, “The declaration is a political document that can be archived. However, whether the historic 2024 uprising can be constitutionally recognized, perhaps in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, will be discussed.” Party sources indicate that the Standing Committee discussed constitutional reforms, national security, and other key issues during ongoing dialogues with the National Consensus Commission. Some decisions were made, including support for increasing women’s parliamentary seats from 50 to 100, though the selection process remains undecided. The BNP favors electing women representatives through established methods. The committee also expressed concern over the US imposing a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi imports and decided to urge the US government to reconsider this policy.
