DHAKA, Aug 5 (V7N) – Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus today presented the 'July Declaration' before the nation, a landmark document commemorating the first anniversary of the July Uprising that led to a change in government. The declaration was unveiled at a public gathering at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban this afternoon, which was arranged to mark the July Uprising Day.

The full text of the July Declaration is as follows:

Historical Context: The declaration begins by tracing Bangladesh's history from its struggle against colonialism and the authoritarian Pakistani regime to its independence in 1971, founded on the principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice.

Critique of Post-Independence Governments: It critiques the post-independence Awami League government, stating it "failed to materialise the people's aspirations" and established a one-party system known as BAKSAL, which suppressed freedoms. It also references the 1975 uprising that led to the reintroduction of multi-party democracy.

Rise of "Fascism" and Authoritarianism: The declaration condemns the "paramount power, domination and fascism of Sheikh Hasina," alleging that through a "conspiratorial arrangement of so-called 1/11," illicit and undemocratic constitutional changes were made to establish a one-party state over sixteen years.

Governance Malfeasance: It accuses the last Awami League regime of destroying state institutions through corruption, abduction, murder, unlawful killings, and the suppression of free speech. The declaration states that Bangladesh was turned into a "fascist, mafia and failed state" under Sheikh Hasina's leadership.

Economic Mismanagement: The declaration alleges that the fallen government "jeopardised the immense economic prospects of Bangladesh through rampant corruption, looting of banks, [and] fund transfers abroad by money laundering," while also pursuing environmentally damaging policies.

Oppression and Repression: It details the brutal oppression faced by political parties, students, and citizens, citing imprisonment, torture, murder, and unlawful killings. It also highlights the suppression of protests against "foreign tutelage" and the use of "brutal force" to suppress dissent.

Farcical Elections: The declaration denounces the National Assembly elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 as "farcical," asserting that they deprived the people of their right to vote and representation.

The July Uprising: It provides a narrative of the events of the 2024 mass uprising, which began as a student-led anti-discrimination movement against the quota system in government jobs. It states that the movement escalated into a full-fledged uprising after "savage tyranny" and "indiscriminate killings" by "Awami fascist forces."

Resignation of Sheikh Hasina: The declaration marks August 5, 2024, as the day when all anti-fascist forces, including political parties, students, and the general public, joined a march towards the Ganabhaban, forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country.

Formation of Interim Government: It asserts that the formation of the Interim Government under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8, 2024, was a constitutional and legitimate response to the political crisis, justified by the "trust of the people in their sovereignty."

Aspirations for the Future: The declaration expresses the people's desire for a new democratic order free from fascism, inequality, and corruption. It calls for good governance, fair elections, the rule of law, and economic and social justice.

Accountability and Justice: The document expresses a strong desire to bring to trial those responsible for "all kinds of oppression, violence and looting of state property" as well as "crimes against humanity" perpetrated by the former government.

Recognition of Martyrs and Protesters: It calls for the martyrs of the July uprising to be recognized as "national heroes" and for the participants in the movement to be given "necessary legal protection."

Constitutional Recognition: The declaration expresses the desire for the student-people uprising of 2024 to receive "proper state and constitutional recognition" and for the 'July Declaration' itself to "feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election."

Conclusion: The document concludes by stating that it is a reflection of the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh, written at the event of the victory in the mass uprising of August 5, 2024.

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