Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus formally read out the July Declaration on Tuesday at a solemn ceremony marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising on the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
The event, attended by national leaders, civil society representatives, student coordinators, and citizens from across the country, commemorated the historic mass movement that led to the fall of the previous government.
The 28-point July Declaration, a foundational document of the post-uprising transition, was read aloud in full, reaffirming the people’s sovereign will and outlining a vision for a new democratic Bangladesh.
The July Declaration: A people’s mandate
The declaration begins by recalling Bangladesh’s revolutionary journey – from the Liberation War of 1971 to the struggles against authoritarianism in 1975, 1990, and now, 2024.
It asserts that the July Uprising was not an isolated event, but the culmination of decades of resistance against oppression, corruption, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
Key points include:
A condemnation of the 16-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, described as fascist, autocratic, and anti-people, during which state institutions were systematically dismantled, dissent was crushed, and elections were rendered meaningless.
Accusations of constitutional subversion, widespread corruption, money laundering, illegal fund transfers abroad, and environmental degradation under the guise of development.
Recognition of the anti-discrimination student movement as the catalyst for a nationwide uprising, triggered by demands to end quota-based discrimination in government jobs and to restore democratic rights.
Documentation of state-sponsored violence, including the killing of nearly 1,000 civilians, mass abductions, unlawful detentions, and the blinding and maiming of protesters.
Acknowledgement of the non-cooperation movement and the Long March to Dhaka, which culminated in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country on August 5, 2024.
The dissolution of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad and the formation of an interim government on August 8, 2024, under Article 106 of the Constitution, following a Supreme Court opinion.
A call for justice and reform
The declaration lays out a clear roadmap for national renewal:
Accountability: Demand for trials of all individuals involved in crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and looting of state resources.
Recognition of Martyrs: Calls for the martyrs of the July Uprising to be honoured as national heroes, with legal protection for all participants in the movement.
Institutional Reforms: A call to rebuild judicial, electoral, and administrative institutions on principles of rule of law, transparency, and independence.
Constitutional Recognition: The declaration must be enshrined in the schedule of a reformed constitution, to be drafted by a government elected through free, fair, and credible elections.
Sustainable Development: Commitment to climate-resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development for present and future generations.
A nation reclaims its sovereignty
In his address, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus said: "Today, we do not merely remember a revolution – we reaffirm it. The July Declaration is not a political statement. It is the voice of the people, written in sacrifice, sealed in blood, and now echoed in the halls of power. Our task is to ensure that this voice guides the rebirth of our nation."
He added that the interim government remains committed to delivering justice, democratic restoration, and institutional reform before handing over power to an elected government.
Next steps
The July Declaration is expected to serve as the moral and constitutional foundation for the upcoming constitutional reform process. A Constitutional Reform Commission is set to begin consultations nationwide in the coming weeks.
As the national flag fluttered in the morning breeze and citizens observed a moment of silence for the martyrs, one message was clear: The people of Bangladesh have spoken. And their declaration will not be forgotten.