BNP lets down aspiration of country's youth by opposing reforms: Ducsu

The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of opposing the implementation of key reforms outlined in the July Charter, despite being a signatory to it.

In a statement issued tonight (2 November), Ducsu said the BNP's stance reflected "utter disregard for the aspirations of the youth and new generation."

The statement was signed by Ducsu Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem, General Secretary SM Farhad, and Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan — all elected from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel in last September's Ducsu elections.

According to the statement, the July Revolution was a collective uprising of the people against discrimination, injustice, and fascist governance. Its goal, Ducsu said, was not merely to change the government but to establish a reformed, transparent, and discrimination-free Bangladesh through deep state reforms.

"Regrettably, despite signing the July Charter, the BNP has consistently opposed its implementation, resisting key structural reforms that embody the dreams and demands of students and the general public," the statement read.

Ducsu alleged that by opposing proposals for transparent and politically neutral appointments to key constitutional bodies — including the Public Service Commission (PSC), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Ombudsman, and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General — the BNP was trying to maintain its "monopoly over power."

It added that the discriminatory employment structure that had sparked the July Uprising remained unchallenged, as the BNP's resistance to reforming it continued to "deny the legitimate rights of the new generation."

The student leaders further accused the BNP of standing against major reform proposals such as the formation of a Judicial Appointment Commission, amendment of Article 70, separation of the roles of prime minister and party chief, depoliticisation of bar association elections, and the creation of an independent criminal investigation service.

"These positions have created major obstacles to essential state reforms and the future-building aspirations of the youth," the Ducsu statement said, adding that by doing so, the BNP was "denying the spirit of the July Revolution and obstructing the nation's march toward a 'New Bangladesh.'"

The statement emphasised that these reforms were not designed to serve any partisan or individual interest, but to establish a modern, democratic, and accountable state structure.

"After the July Revolution, the moral responsibility of rebuilding the nation lies with students and citizens from all walks of life," Ducsu said, calling for a national referendum to secure the people's mandate on the proposed reforms.