No national elections without inclusion of July Proclamation in constitution: National Citizens' Committee

The National Citizens' Committee has called for the election of a Constituent Assembly to incorporate and amend the July Proclamation into the Constitution before holding any national election. 

Speaking at a discussion today (14 January), the committee leaders also demanded that the trial of those responsible for the killings and attacks during the July-August uprising be ensured before proceeding with the national election.

The discussion titled "New Political Settlement: July Declaration, Constituent Assembly, and Constitution" was organised by the National Citizens' Committee's Supreme Court legal wing at the Supreme Court Lawyers' Association Auditorium in Dhaka.

Retired High Court Division judge AFM Abdur Rahman, speaking as the chief guest, emphasised the significance of the July Revolution, saying, "Over 2,000 patriots lost their lives, and thousands more were injured during the movement against the fascist government. It was a mass revolution that led to the government's ouster and the establishment of a new administration."

He further noted that after a revolution, there is no existing legal framework. 

Abdur Rahman noted that the responsibility of governing is entrusted to the revolutionaries, who must act in line with the people's aspirations. 

"The government must operate based on the Declaration of the Revolution, not under any existing laws or constitution. Therefore, announcing the July Proclamation is crucial. Subsequently, a Constituent Assembly must be elected to amend the constitution and establish the national parliament," he added.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the AB Party, said, "While freedom fighters fought with weapons in 1971, six crore unarmed students participated in the July-August mass revolution. The AB Party is committed to institutionalising the dreams of these youth and reforming the state against discrimination."

Fuad also stressed the need for accountability, stating, "No national election can take place without addressing the killings and torture during the July protests and the human rights violations of the past 15 years."

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens' Committee, said the committee had been advocating for the July Proclamation and expressed disappointment over the government's inaction. 

"The declaration is supposed to be announced by 15 January, but with only one day remaining, there has been no progress. If the government fails to make the announcement, the committee will consider further actions," he said.