Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Acting President of Gonoforum, has alleged that the interim government has misled certain youths by offering them various privileges and facilities. He further stated that not signing the July Charter amounts to duplicity on the part of July fighters. The NCP should sign the charter without bargaining.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Debate for Democracy’s Shadow Parliament debate competition titled “What Needs to Be Done to Implement the July Charter” held on Saturday (November 1) at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) in the capital, he made these remarks.
Referring to the interim government’s act of misleading some youths with benefits, Subrata Chowdhury said, “They are interfering in DC and UNO offices and various institutions. A government within the government has been formed. As a result, reforms and the rule of law are being obstructed.”
Dismissing fears of conflict over differences between BNP and Jamaat on the referendum issue, Subrata Chowdhury said, “The referendum and national election will be held on the same day in February. To those advocating participatory elections, I say—if 70 percent of votes are cast in the national election, it will be considered participatory.” Urging political parties, he added, “Do not engage in nomination or position trading in the future. Reform and democratization within parties are urgent. A functional parliament should be formed with competent individuals.”
Terming former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s interview labeling the July Uprising as a “violent movement” as “ridiculous and childish,” the Gonoforum acting president said, “The trial of Sheikh Hasina’s crimes against humanity will continue unabated. She fled after committing massacres. We urge India not to give her shelter to make provocative statements. Stop her. Do not create hostile relations with us.”
The event was chaired by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, Chairman of Debate for Democracy. He said the July Mass Uprising overthrew fascism through the blood, lives, disabilities, and blindness of students and the masses. Today’s Bangladesh stands on the blood of July martyrs. The unity that made the July Uprising successful is now cracking over the implementation of the July Charter.
Describing the July Charter as a “historic national document and political settlement,” Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury said, “The future of Bangladesh depends on its implementation. If the spirit of July fails, the state will fail, and the interim government will fail. No one—BNP, Jamaat, NCP, or anyone else—can escape this responsibility.”He further stated that through the July Charter, the people wanted a united Bangladesh. But sharp disagreements among political parties over its implementation are creating a divided Bangladesh. If fascist forces return as a result, no party will escape the fire of vengeance. Hence, anti-fascist unity is now indispensable.
Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran noted that domestic and foreign nefarious forces are conspiring to derail the upcoming national election and fueling divisive politics. A tripartite political struggle is currently underway. The nation must be relieved from this situation. The interim government must work not only for political parties but also to fulfill the people’s aspirations.
In the shadow parliament debate titled “Political Will Is More Crucial Than Legal Framework for Implementing the July Charter,” Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) emerged victorious by defeating Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participating teams at the end of the competition.
