Hasnat demands 'burial of Mujibist constitution of 1972'

The "Mujibist" constitution of 1972 must be buried in the grave through the "Proclamation of the July Uprising" on 31 December, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convenor Hasnat Abdullah demanded today (29 December).

The student platform, along with the National Citizens' Committee, will present the proclamation at 3pm on 31 December in the capital's Central Shaheed Minar.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital's Bangla Motor this afternoon, Hasant said, "The Mujibist '72 constitution will be buried in the very place where the one-point declaration was made during the July uprising. We expect that the Nazi Awami League will be declared irrelevant in Bangladesh through the July uprising proclamation."

Students, Citizens' Committee to unveil July uprising proclamation 31 Dec seeking state without discrimination

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the National Citizens' Committee, said, "We have only crossed one stage of the revolution. The July uprising proclamation should have been declared earlier.

"We believe that just as our revolution was embraced by all anti-fascists, this proclamation will also contain everyone's hopes and aspirations."

Sarjis also said a draft of the proclamation has been prepared. "People of different political parties, views, religions and ages who have directly participated in the uprising are being consulted. The proclamation is being amended, refined and expanded."

Meanwhile, responding to questions from journalists, Hasnat said, "The Indian aggression was initiated through the principles of the 1972 constitution. The proclamation will make it clear how the Mujibist constitution destroyed the aspirations of the people and exactly how we want to replace it.

"The Second Republic is a legal matter. We are not going to deal with that issue now."

Abdul Hannan Masud, chief organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said, "On behalf of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, we will present the July uprising proclamation. It is the responsibility of the government to incorporate it into the constitution and make the Second Republic."

A new party with a new name

In response to a question, Sarjis said, "Neither the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement nor the National Citizens' Committee will become a political party. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will remain a symbol of our unity during the July uprising, a unique platform; it will never be a political party.

"The new political party must have a different name."