The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC) have called for the “Proclamation of the July Revolution” to be issued by January 15, as thousands from across the country gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Tuesday to participate in the “March for Unity.”
Joint Secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee Akhtar Hossain emphasized the urgency of issuing the July Proclamation, saying: “The people of Bangladesh demand reforms, a new constitution, and the Proclamation of July Revolution by January 15.”
Akhtar described the government’s decision to consult all political parties regarding the proclamation as a significant victory for the movement.
"The new constitution must be crafted through elected representatives, and the upcoming elections should be held as a general assembly election," he added.
Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, reiterated the January 15 deadline, urging the government to restore law and order, dismantle syndicates, stabilize prices, protect revolutionaries, expedite justice for the Shapla Chattar and Pilkhana massacres, and hold the Awami League accountable for alleged crimes over the past 16 years.
Samanta Sharmin, spokesperson for the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, issued a warning: “If the proclamation is not announced by January 15, students will be forced to take to the streets again. We will not leave until justice and reforms are ensured.”
The convener of the Citizens’ Committee Nasiruddin Patwary demanded that the upcoming proclamation honour the sacrifices of every martyr and outline the necessary reforms to rebuild institutions damaged over the past 53 years.
"We want a new Bangladesh. The government must act quickly to abolish this fascist system, or the children of the ‘tigers of ‘24’ will take matters into their own hands," he said.
Participants from different walks of life shared their expectations and aspirations at the event.
Md Fakir Azad, a businessman from Moulvibazar, voiced mild disappointment, saying: "I came expecting the Proclamation of Revolution, not the March for Unity, which was decided suddenly. However, I recognize the need for national unity.”
Md Rubel Howladar, a rickshaw puller from Mohakhali and former worker at Beximco Pharmaceuticals, attended the event with his five-year-old son.
"I want my son and the younger generation to understand the history of this uprising," he said.
Md Shamim Darji, a Supreme Court lawyer, said that his participation aimed to keep the “spirit of the uprising alive.”
Hamim, a student from Rangpur, came with the hope of addressing discrimination faced by his region.
“There is an inequality in budget allocation and access to other facilities. I hope this movement helps reduce such disparities," he said.