What is in the draft of the July Proclamation

The much-discussed July Proclamation is said to come into effect from 5 August, according to its draft copy. 

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with political parties today (16 January) to finalise the content and provide the announcement date of the proclamation.

What is the July Proclamation?

The July Proclamation is a proposed declaration intended to consolidate the unity, anti-fascist spirit, and desire for state reform that emerged during the July uprising. 

According to a draft copy of the declaration, the intention to amend or even repeal the 1972 Constitution has been expressed in it. Aside from that, it has also the context of the proclamation, such as: 

• It highlights the centuries-old struggle of the people of this land to achieve independence, from achieving independence from British colonial rule in 1947 to the independence of Bangladesh through the Liberation War. 
• It also includes the context of how the violent mass protests of the students and the public turned into a mass uprising, forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India.
• It also says that "we, the students, have organised ourselves as a sovereign people with the intention of implementing the ideals of self-respect, equality and social justice on which the liberation war was waged. We call for the dissolution of the parliament formed through the farce elections and on behalf of the students, we call for the formation of an interim government under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Yunus to protect the security, stability and integrity of the state." 
• The draft also states the intention that the interim government will carry out the necessary reforms to "ensure good governance and fair elections and prevent the recurrence of the fascist system."

Does the draft mention a new republic?

As discussed earlier, the draft does state the need to declare a new Republic.

"We declare that we need a new Republic to change the political arrangements of 1972 and 1/11, which will end all forms of oppression, exploitation and discrimination in the state and will be able to contain the aspirations of the youth of this country. We express the intention that this declaration be given appropriate state and constitutional recognition."

What does the draft say about the Constitution?

The proclamation draft also makes its stance on the Constitution clear.

It says, "We express our intention to amend or, if necessary, repeal the 1972 Constitution, a document that fosters fascism and dictatorship. We express our intention that the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and looting of state property committed by the fascist Awami League government during the July Uprising will be duly prosecuted."