July Proclamation: Unity asserted as Yunus meets with political parties

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the interim government emerged from the unity forged during the July uprising, and it will continue to lead the nation forward through that same unity.

"When we work alone and see no one around us, we feel weak. And when you all sit together, we get courage in mind that we remain united," he said in his opening speech at a meeting with political parties.

"We were born amid unity and unity is our strength," the chief adviser added during the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday (16 January) to finalise the July Proclamation based on a "national consensus".

The chief adviser said the purpose of the meeting was to finalise the July Proclamation collectively, adding that if unity could not be achieved, there would be no need to announce it. 

He further noted that a unified proclamation would benefit the country and enhance its international standing, demonstrating to citizens and the world the enduring strength of national solidarity.

Delegations of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Ganosamhati Andolon, Rastra Sanskar Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad- Marxist),  Gono Front, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal participated in the dialogue.

Representatives of the National Citizens' Committee and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were also present. 

Committee may be formed 

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, who was present at the meeting, said all political parties want an inclusive proclamation recognising the contributions of all parties that participated in last year's mass uprising.

Further discussions will take place regarding the proclamation, with the possibility of forming a committee to advance the work, he added. 

"A comprehensive action plan will be finalised promptly based on the opinions of political parties. Following consultations with various political parties and stakeholders on the draft," he said, conveying the government's position on the matter.

He further said, "An inclusive July Proclamation will be prepared to acknowledge the contributions of all. It may take more time but we'll have to remain alert that time is not wasted.

"A work plan will be prepared over the July Proclamation based on consensus." 

On 22 October last year, the National Citizens' Committee and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, along with five key demands, called for the July Proclamation. To build public support, the groups met with 30 political parties in November but failed to reach a consensus. 

On 28 December, they announced the proclamation would be declared at the Central Shaheed Minar on 31 December. 

Initially the government referred to the move as a private initiative, but later announced that they would take responsibility for the proclamation. 

On 31 December, instead of the proclamation, the student's platforms held a "March for Unity" and issued an ultimatum for the government to announce the Proclamation by 15 January 15. 

In this context, the chief adviser held the meeting with political parties on Thursday.

What parties say

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, the sole representative from his party, after the meeting told the media that the proclamation should not become a reason for creating rifts in the anti-fascist unity. 

The BNP leader said he also questioned the necessity of the July Proclamation five months after the uprising. "If it is indeed necessary, its historical, political, and legal significance must be determined first."

He said, "We respect any political document that becomes a historical document. However, it must ensure inclusivity of all political parties."

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar they were invited at the meeting to share their opinions on the proclamation, though no detailed discussions took place. 

He noted that all parties agree on the need for a declaration but cautioned against rushing the process, which could compromise the essence of the people's struggle. 

Parwar added that individual proposals would be submitted and later consolidated into a cohesive declaration. "We must avoid delays that could invite disorder or conspiracies. The process must begin promptly."

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, also told the media that the process to formulate the proclamation should not be rushed.

"We have stressed that the government must take the lead in this initiative. Questions regarding its legal framework and political aspects need to be addressed through consensus," he stated.

He also proposed forming a drafting committee, saying, "The committee should be responsible for preparing the draft, incorporating input from students, political parties, and other stakeholders. 

Sufficient time must be allocated to ensure the document is comprehensive and serves as a guiding political reference for the future, he added.

Views of student-led platforms

Arif Sohel, member secretary of the Anti Discrimination Student Movement, said that although they had hoped to issue the proclamation by 15 January, the government has yet to take swift action as anticipated.

However, he commended the steps taken so far and expressed gratitude for the initiative. "We have reached a consensus with the participants of the people's uprising."

He confirmed that the July declaration will be issued based on a consensus between the participants of the people's uprising and all democratic political parties. 

"The next step is to discuss what the declaration will entail, reflecting the aspirations of the students and the people who took to the streets during the July uprising," he said.

Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of National Citizens' Committee, told the media that the government at the meeting has promised them to release a review of the proclamation soon, accompanied by necessary revisions. 

He said discussions are needed on certain perspectives and word choices. Political parties have requested time from the chief adviser to address these points.

He also urged the parties to avoid unnecessary delays, stressing the importance of reaching a balanced consensus on the proclamation in a timely manner, ensuring a well-crafted and meaningful outcome.