Salahuddin clarifies BNP's stance on July Proclamation, vows constitutional recognition if voted to power
The BNP has urged the government to finalise the July Charter before 5 August, he says
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has urged the public to dismiss any confusion regarding the party's position on the "July Declaration".
Speaking at a discussion meeting organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at TSC Auditorium in Dhaka University this evening (15 July), Salahuddin stated that if the BNP forms the next government, the 2024 July mass uprising would be formally recognised.
"The legitimacy of the July Declaration and the interim government will be given as per Article 106 of the constitution. Everything will have constitutional recognition and state recognition," he said.
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Addressing the specifics of the July Charter, the BNP leader clarified, "We submitted the July Declaration five months ago, on 12 February. Later, on 9 July, a revised version was requested, which I submitted myself. Therefore, for those who want to know about the July Declaration, its status and recognition, our statement is clear. There should be no confusion on this matter."
He further explained the importance of this recognition, saying "There is a specific date for the commencement of the effectiveness of the ordinance, there is also a specific date for the execution of the constitution, but it is not mandatory to set a date for the implementation of the declaration.
"However, what is needed is status and constitutional recognition. So that in the future, no ruling group can call any person who participated in this July mass uprising illegal or unconstitutional. That is why there is a need to recognise the martyrs and injured of the July uprising."
Salahuddin added that the BNP has urged the government to finalise the July Charter before 5 August.
"However, given the slow pace of progress we are seeing, I wonder how much can realistically be achieved within the remaining time. Still, I remain hopeful and optimistic," he added.
BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul, Revolutionary Students' Alliance General Secretary Jabir Islam Jubel, Islami Chhatra Andolan President Mahbubur Rahman Nahian, and Students' Federation General Secretary Saikat Arif also spoke at the event among others.
