Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has announced that it has decided to prepare a “proclamation of July uprising”, a day after it distanced itself from a proposed declaration with an identical title by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement that led to an upheaval four months ago.
“We hope within few days the proclamation will be prepared with the participation and consensus of all and presented before the nation,” Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, told reporters in a midnight press conference.
Addressing reporters in front of Yunus’ official Jamuna residence, Alam said the declaration would be based on the views of all participating students, political parties, and stakeholders, including the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League regime on August 5.
The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, along with the National Citizens Committee, had initially planned to announce their version of the proclamation at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar. However, following the government’s announcement, they opted instead for a “march for unity” at the same location and time.
This change was communicated after an emergency meeting held by the students’ platform. Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the platform, expressed intentions to symbolically bury the Mujibist 72 constitution during their proclamation event. He criticised this constitution for allegedly enabling Indian aggression and undermining people’s aspirations. Abdullah emphasised that their proclamation would highlight how they intend to replace it.
The 1972 constitution was established a year after Bangladesh gained independence. It was crafted by representatives elected in 1970 under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League, which secured an overwhelming majority. However, tensions escalated when Pakistan’s military launched a crackdown, leading to Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
The interim government has distanced itself from the students’ proclamation efforts. Yunus’ press secretary clarified that the government views it as a “private initiative.” Meanwhile, Awami League has remained largely inactive since its regime was ousted on August 5. Many leaders have been arrested or are in hiding, limiting their public presence to social media.
Some leaders from Khaleda Zia’s BNP have voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes. Mirza Abbas, a senior member of BNP’s standing committee, criticised calls to discard the 1972 constitution. He reminded that it was written at great cost during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
Abbas expressed disappointment over student leaders suggesting that the constitution should be buried. He warned that such rhetoric echoes fascist sentiments and urged for amendments rather than complete rejection if there are issues with the current constitution. The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement and other political groups frequently label the ousted regime as “fascist.”
This reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on Bangladesh’s constitutional and political future.
