Students sit in urgent meeting

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leaders sat in an urgent meeting on Monday night in view of the government’s July proclamation decision. The students earlier announced to roll out the proclamation of the July Revolution today at 3:00 pm at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
Leaders of the Movement have demanded a complete rejection of the 1972 'Mujibist' constitution, describing it as a relic that should be laid to rest alongside the July Revolution Proclamation.
They expressed optimism that the declaration would render the 'Nazi-like Awami League' politically obsolete in Bangladesh.
"We envision the burial of the Mujibist constitution. At the very site where the one-point movement was launched, we will symbolically lay the foundation for its demise," said Hasnat Abdullah, the platform's convener, during a press briefing held at its Banglamotor central office.
"We also anticipate the July Revolution Proclamation will decisively mark the irrelevance of the Awami League in our country," he added.
"This proclamation aims to ensure that the injustices of the past are not repeated. It will embody the hopes and dreams of the people, serving as a manifesto to guide the nation forward," Abdullah said.
Sarjis Alam, a former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and now the chief organiser of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, emphasised the ongoing nature of the revolution.
"We have only completed the first phase of this movement. The proclamation has been delayed for too long," he said.
He further remarked, "Just as the revolution brought together all anti-fascist forces, we believe this proclamation will unite people from all walks of life, reflecting their collective aspirations."
Sarjis also revealed that a draft proclamation had already been prepared.
"We are collecting feedback from individuals across political, religious, and generational divides who actively participated in the revolution. These insights will help us refine and enhance the manifesto," he explained.
Responding to a question from the media, Abdullah criticised the foundational principles of the 1972 constitution, accusing it of enabling foreign interference.
"The manifesto will detail how this constitution betrayed the people's aspirations and outline our strategy to replace it. The concept of a Second Republic is a complex legal issue that we are not addressing at this stage," he stated.
Abdul Hannan Masud, the movement's chief organiser, stressed that the proclamation's adoption into the nation's legal framework would be the government's responsibility.
"The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will announce the proclamation, but it is up to the authorities to integrate it into the constitution and establish the Second Republic," he said.
Abdullah acknowledged that the proclamation should ideally have been made earlier, specifically on August 5.
"Delays have allowed pro-fascist elements to continue their schemes, using media and intellectual platforms to cast doubt on the revolution's legitimacy. This undermines the sacrifices of over 2,000 martyrs and more than 20,000 injured," he lamented.
Concluding his remarks, Abdullah described the proclamation as a roadmap for Bangladesh's future, encompassing the nation's dreams, goals, and aspirations.
"It transcends any single party or class. History has witnessed repeated betrayals of our collective dreams. This proclamation seeks to end that cycle," he declared.

[email protected]