Leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM) and Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC) have called on the interim government to announce the July revolution proclamation by January 15.
The demand was raised during a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Tuesday.
As the ADSM prepared to unveil the proclamation at the rally, the government, amid rising political tensions, announced on Monday its intention to issue a proclamation involving all parties to avoid any split among the existing political entities that fought together against the fascist regime.
In response, the ADSM at midnight on Tuesday renamed the Central Shaheed Minar event "March for Unity".
Hundreds of students and activists from various districts and upazilas participated in the rally to voice their demands.
Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of ADSM, told the rally there is an urgent need for justice for the July uprising victims and called for measures to control rising commodity prices.
He said, "We demand justice for the genocide. The government must recover the siphoned money, ensure price controls, and provide proper medical care for the injured protesters."
"Bangladesh will maintain friendly relations with all countries, but we will not allow anyone to dominate us," he added.
Akhtar Hossain, JNC member secretary, termed the proclamation a victory for their movement as all existing parties have agreed on it.
He demanded the proclamation be officially announced by January 15.
JNC Convener Nasiruddin Patwari said, "Bangladesh has achieved independence again. We refuse to see submissive foreign policies, corruption, and extortion defining our nation. If the voices of those killed and injured are not honoured in the proclamation, the people will reject it outright."
He also said the Awami League must face trial for its misdeeds. "We will not leave the streets until Sheikh Hasina is brought to justice on Bangladeshi soil. The struggle has begun, and it will continue."
Md Abul Hasan, father of Shahriar killed in the uprising, said, "My son was shot dead in Mirpur 10. He was just a ninth-grader."
Referring to the uprising victims, he said, "We demand justice for our martyred children. Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet, along with the helmet group, are responsible for the murders. If justice is not served, we will return to the streets."
The rally concluded with renewed calls for the July proclamation's immediate announcement and a commitment to continue the movement until the demands are met.
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