Students, Nagorik Committee demand July Proclamation from govt by Jan 15
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Tuesday gave the government until January 15 to come up with the July Proclamation.
The ultimatum came during the March for Unity programme held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
Jatiya Nagorik Committee spokesperson Samantha Sharmin said, ‘No initiative has been taken regarding the July proclamation even after five months of the resurgence. The government only moved after we took the initiative. The proclamation must be done by January 15.’
Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, criticised the delay in the announcement, saying, ‘We have been so preoccupied in the last five months that the declaration hasn’t been announced. But it is our historical responsibility to ensure this is done.’
She further warned against delays, saying, ‘We will not tolerate any further postponements. The road has become the solution for our people, and we urge the government to resolve matters at the negotiation table. If not, the people will take action.’
Fatema also reiterated their demands for justice and accountability.
‘There will be no elections before the Awami League is tried. Justice must be served for the families of martyrs and the injured. The government must guarantee their security,’ she added.
Declaring that ‘July is not dead,’ she assured that the movement will persist. ‘We will not let this movement fail as others did in the ‘90s.’
Jatiya Nagorik Committee member secretary Akhter Hossain emphasised the need for a constituent assembly election.
‘The next election will determine who will write a new constitution. This declaration will serve as the inspiration for that constitution and must be announced without delay,’ he said.
The convener of the Nagarik Committee, Nasir Uddin Patwary, highlighted the significance of institutional reforms.
‘This declaration is a testament to our achievement. It must outline the reform of all government institutions that have collapsed over the last 53 years. We also demand a robust and independent foreign policy,’ he stated.
The protesters remain firm in their demands, urging swift action from the government to honour their ultimatum.
New Age
