The new political platform formed under the leadership of Ali Ahsan Zonaed, a key figure in the July Movement and former joint convener of the National Citizens Committee, has been officially named United People's Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh).
This announcement was made by Zonaed in a Facebook post on Thursday (April 10).
In his statement, Zonaed emphasised that the platform is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the July Movement.
He said, "We have specifically set some targets for the aspirations of July, for the implementation of which the platform will move forward with the support of all students of Bangladesh, InshaAllah."
Zonaed outlined several immediate objectives for the platform including ensuring justice for horrific crimes such as the Pilkhana massacre, Shapla Square massacre, and the July massacres; banning the Awami League, which he referred to as a fascist party; and lifting the financial bans imposed on the families of injured fighters and martyrs of the July Movement.
He stressed that the platform would focus on building public opinion and launching political movements to achieve these goals.
Beyond its immediate objectives, UP Bangladesh aims to bring about systemic changes in the country’s political and social landscape. The long-term goals include: Changing the existing political culture of Bangladesh; establishing competent and moral leadership at all levels of society, promoting social justice, human dignity, and social security; rebuilding Bangladesh on the foundation of a social contract that respects religious beliefs and values; eradicating the vicious cycles of muscle power, corruption, and cronyism in politics.
Zonaed also vowed to free Bangladesh from what he termed the "new four evils," referring to forces of fascism, hegemony, religious hatred, and corruption.
In his message, Zonaed extended an open invitation to the people of Bangladesh to actively participate in this initiative. He urged citizens to join hands in rebuilding the nation after the recent upheaval.
"I call upon you to actively participate in this initiative to rebuild Bangladesh after the coup. Let us join hands shoulder to shoulder in this struggle to build the country," he wrote.