Although there is a consensus of the political parties regarding the preparation of the manifesto of the July People's Uprising, the leaders of the various political parties who participated in the meeting suggested that it should be prepared on the basis of everyone's opinion. The statement of the political leaders was also seen in the speech of the advisor to the government Asif Nazrul. Leaders of political parties spoke to journalists after a meeting at Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday (January 16).
Salauddin Ahmed
After the meeting, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said that there should be no rift in the anti-fascist unity created around this declaration. We have to be careful there too.
He said, the most important thing for us is to maintain anti-fascist national unity. The national unity that was formed against fascism through the July-August coup, should be converted into mass unity and politically we can practice culturally. Bringing in the political culture and taking the nation forward by maintaining that unity, that is the biggest challenge for us now.
This member of the BNP Standing Committee said, due to our efforts, we want to make an inclusive political statement with all the political parties who were involved in the anti-fascist movement. Now we have to take care that no seeds of disunity can be sown within us by any fascist forces and fascist friends.
Salauddin Ahmed said, our chief adviser called. We came, we talked. We have given the advice we need in the administration of the state and on various issues, he added.
When asked if there was any suggestion about the manifesto, he said, there was some discussion about the manifesto related to the July uprising. Leaders of all political parties have given their various advisory statements. We questioned whether the declaration of the July coup was really necessary after 5 and a half months? What is its political significance, historical significance and legal significance, if any, has to be determined.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, we have to keep an eye on the anti-fascist unity created around this declaration, so that there is no rift. If it becomes a political, historical document, we must respect that document. But in formulating it to include all concerned, to take their advice—we have suggested that and I have requested the chief adviser and all the advisers to keep an eye on that. Take action accordingly. So that there is no rift in national unity. Let there be no confusion between us.
When asked what was BNP's position on the manifesto, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We have given our advice on the drafting of various political documents, and we have talked about it.”
When asked if there was any objection to the draft, this member of the BNP Standing Committee left without giving a statement.
Mia Golam Parwar
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said that the government has sent a draft to the political parties. In today's discussion, the views of every party and prominent person have been sought. However, there was no detailed discussion. One thing I can say boldly, every party felt the need to have a manifesto. However, haste can lead to mistakes in creating a manifesto that captures the essence of the August 5 uprising. Take time. Discussions with political parties and various stakeholders have to be done. It has been discussed how to create a well-written manifesto, including the history of the coup, the history of the struggle, the history of the pre-independence period, including the public aspirations of the July Uprising. We will propose separately. Later all will be combined and transformed into a beautiful manifesto.
But too late, he says, another anarchy, another opportunity for intrigue—let those who wait for intrigue not get it. This initiative should be started soon without delay. An adviser to the government said on duty, they will review our views. After doing a homework, sit back with us for step 2.
Nasiruddin Patwari
Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of the National Citizens Committee, said, “Today we have come and talked with all the political parties of Bangladesh.” We all reached a consensus that there would be a manifesto. All agreed that it will be released with adequate reviews as soon as possible. Some of these are visually and acoustically some require some discussion among everyone to choose. For that, everyone asked the chief advisor for time. The Chief Adviser has asked to ensure that there is no wastage of time. So that there is no delay, and not too fast. At some point in the middle so we can come to a consensus and create something beautiful. We have reached a consensus on this matter and will soon come forward.
He also said that the anti-discrimination student movement and civic committee have been patient since the night of December 31 and are still patient. We will say to the people of the country—be patient for some more time. If Bangladesh is to go on the path of democratic transition, it is not possible without this historical document. That's why we have called on all parties, parties, and parties to march on the road to democracy through this historical document without betraying those people who have democracy-loving political parties, democracy-loving people, who have fought for democracy for the last 15 years. They agreed, hopefully our journey will be together in future Bangladesh.
When asked whether any time limit has been given, he said that many people have said about the time limit. No specific dateline. But everyone agreed that it's never too late, and never too soon. It will be released soon with everyone's observation.
Arif Sohail
Arif Sohail, member secretary of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said, “Although we expected the declaration to be issued by January 15. I have not seen the government take such hasty steps. Still applauded for the initiative they are taking. We were able to reach a consensus with the participants of the People's Uprising. It is now certain that the July Declaration will be issued based on the consensus of the participants of the popular uprising and all democratic political parties. In the next step, we will discuss what will be in the July manifesto. Which will be a reflection of the desire of the students who took to the streets in the July uprising. We are hopeful that we can immediately reach a consensus and present the hopes and aspirations of the July People's Uprising to the people. We can recognize the July uprising internationally.
He said that Bangladesh is in the process of revolutionary change, abolition of the fascist system in the new political system, democratic process that has been opened, we can strengthen the process. The July Declaration will be of historic importance to make Bangladesh a more prosperous nation.
Jonaid Saki
Jonaid Saki, chief coordinator of mass solidarity movement, said that the declaration should not be rushed and rushed.
He said that various stakeholders including political parties were invited on the invitation of the head of the interim government. The purpose of that meeting was how to prepare a manifesto for the July uprising. The context of the uprising, the aspirations of the people expressed through the uprising, the direction the uprising gives to the future of Bangladesh, these things can be combined in one document. But what will be the procedural aspect of it? How will the document be created? We have presented our proposals in this regard. I hope that the interim government will make a course of action accordingly.
Saki said, “We said it should be done in a hurry, so that it is not done in the process.” This initiative needs to be taken by the government to prepare the declaration. What will it be? What is the legal aspect of it? What are the political aspects? These questions will be from a place of consensus.
Stating that a draft committee should be formed by the government, Saki said that the committee will be in charge of the draft. The document should be prepared with necessary time by including the views of all stakeholders including students, political parties. A document of the future. It will always serve as our political formula. So that it can be made.
Junaid Al Habib
Junaid Al Habib, Senior Joint Secretary-General of Hefazat Islam and Vice-President of Jamiat Ulamay Islam, said that he did not see any revolution in the government. The government will be more revolutionary, the friends of the defeated forces and their collaborators wherever they are, should be arrested and brought to justice.
He said, after the July revolution, the revolutionary government was formed, we have not seen anything revolutionary in the last 5 months. None of the defeated powers can participate in the next elections.
The senior joint secretary-general of Hefazat-e-Islam said, We have come up with a word for the declaration, as many issues have been mentioned here. But the Shapla Chatter massacre in 2013 at that place should also be linked there (in the manifesto). We have said that. In 2021, Ulamaye Keram was killed by shooting like a bird, thousands of Ulamaye Keram were arrested and detained in jail without trial for years, it should also be mentioned here.
Asaduzzaman Fuad
On behalf of the government, advisor Mahfuz Alam gave the draft of the July People's Uprising to Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and said that the general secretary of the party, Asaduzzaman Fuad, said, “We have given a written suggestion about the declaration.”
AB Party thanked the government for taking the initiative to create the historical document. General Secretary of the party Asaduzzaman Fuad said that it is neither difficult nor necessary for all parties to agree word for word. We need to agree on the process. Following a process, the public coup decree will be written. All parties will accept it as a declaration of independence.
Fouad said that suggestions have been given from various political parties to give responsibility to the Constitution Reform Commission or any other committee or commission to prepare the declaration. He said that the advisory board found the suggestions of political parties reasonable. Fuad said that it has also been suggested to reduce the size of the declaration. He said, everyone needs to agree on the framework. Because there will be more opportunities for disagreement in large documents.
