Govt, politicians, students agree on publishing July declaration

All political parties, students and the interim government agreed on publication of 'July Declaration' recognising the contributions of all who participated in the mass uprising that toppled the past regime.

As an all-party dialogue on the uprising documentation finally ended in unison on Thursday evening, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul told reporters in front of the venue at Foreign Service Academy that a work plan would be drawn soon regarding the formulation of the July Declaration based on consensus.

"A consensus on the formulation of a declaration for the July mass uprising was reached at the meeting. Everyone agreed that such a declaration is necessary, but many suggestions were given in this regard," the adviser said, and leaders of the delegations also echoed while talking to the media.

The major suggestions include ensuring everyone's contributions are properly acknowledged and continuity of the spirit of united uprising against what they call 'fascism' is appropriately reflected in the declaration.

Besides, Dr Asif said, a suggestion was also made for clarifying the political and legal nature of the proclamation, which is envisaged to be a charter for the post-uprising Bangladesh.

"What has been emphasised as most important is that this declaration should be formulated based on consensus through more intensive discussions among all political parties, forces, students, the masses, and their various forums who were in favour of the July mass uprising," said the law professor-turned law adviser of government.He said the participants in the meeting also agreed that as much time as necessary should be given to prepare the declaration. "But, efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays or waste of time. Everyone is unanimous that the declaration should be prepared on the basis of intensive discussions."

Everyone expressed optimism that efforts to formulate the declaration based on consensus would be successful.

"Today's meeting ended with the hope that we will be able to formulate a narrative of unbreakable unity through which we could ensure the fall of a fascist and mass-killer regime of Sheikh Hasina during the mass uprising," the adviser told the journalists.

Replying to a question, he said almost all participants in the meeting agreed that the time needed to prepare a document based on unity and consensus should be taken. "There should be no rush and no unnecessary delays."

Asif said some leaders proposed that a committee be formed to conduct the discussions in an organised manner to formulate the declaration.

To another question, the adviser said there were no divisions among political parties over the declaration -- only differing opinions emerged regarding the process of holding the discussions. "We welcome diverse opinions. We didn't see any disunity among the parties…rather it will be more conducive to stronger unity."

He added: "We'll actively consider everyone's opinions carefully and decide on a course of action very quickly based on their suggestions."

Dr Asif said leaders of all political parties and forces involved in the July-August mass uprising, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefajat-e-Islam, Ganatantra Mancha, the Anti-Discrimination Movement, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties joined the nearly two-hour-long meeting that began around 4:20pm.

Earlier, the interim government initiated the process of preparing a declaration on the July uprising, based on a national consensus.

Chief Adviser Yunus explained why he cautioned students against issuing the July proclamation independently

He revealed that he advised the Anti-discrimination Student Movement against issuing the July proclamation alone, fearing it could be disrespect to the unity that led to the uprising.

Speaking at the all-party meeting, Yunus said: "One day, the students came to me and said they would make a proclamation. They wanted me to be there.

"I wanted to understand what kind of proclamation they were giving. They told me, and I said this wouldn't work. It wouldn't be right for me to support it, and it wouldn't be right for you to do it."

Addressing the students, Yunus added: "If you want to go back to Aug 5, then you have to recreate the context of that day. It cannot be done alone. The entire sentiment of that day (Aug 5) was about unity. No one said you are this, you are that.

"So, if you want to do this, you have to include everyone-that's clear. Doing it otherwise wouldn't be right. Disrespecting the unity that you created on Aug 5 would be wrong."

Meanwhile, BNP urged the interim government to remain alert to ensure that no rift is created in the anti-fascist unity over the 'July Declaration'.

Party Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, who attended Thursday's all-party meet, told reporters thereafter that he raised the question at the meeting of whether a declaration for the July mass uprising was necessary after five and a half months had elapsed.

"If any political document becomes a historical record, we will certainly respect it. But we have suggested including all concerned parties and taking their opinions into account when formulating such a document. We have requested the Chief Adviser and all relevant advisers to pay attention to this matter and take appropriate steps to ensure that no rift is created in national unity and no confusion arises among us," the BNP leader said.

He said it is now the biggest challenge for the nation to turn the national unity formed through the July-August mass uprising against fascism into a mass unity and nurture that unity within the country's political culture and practice it.

The BNP leader said the nation must maintain this unity and move forward by upholding it. "As part of our effort, we want to issue an inclusive political statement with all anti-fascist political parties. We must ensure that no fascist forces or their cohorts can sow the seeds of division within us."

Salahuddin said he, on behalf of the BNP, attended the meeting and engaged in discussions in response to the Chief Adviser's call.

He said they provided their suggestions and thoughts on governance and various other matters they deemed necessary.

In response to a question, Salahuddin Ahmed said discussions took place regarding the July mass uprising declaration, and the leaders of all political parties shared their views.

"We questioned whether there was actually any need for the proclamation of the July mass uprising after five and a half months. If so, the political, historical, and legal significance of the declaration must be determined. We have to be alert so that no rift is created in anti-fascist unity over this declaration," he said.

Responding to another question, Salahuddin said, "We have given various suggestions regarding the preparation of political documents."

Asked whether BNP had any objections to the declaration, Salahuddin parried the question.

(Inputs taken from UNB, bdnews24, live media reports)