Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC) have demanded that a "Proclamation of the July Revolution" be issued by January 15.
Yesterday, the capital's Central Shaheed Minar transformed into a massive gathering as participants from across the country attended the "March for Unity" program, organized by SAD and the JNC.
Akhtar Hossain, joint secretary of the JNC, emphasized that the government must announce the July Proclamation by January 15. He said: "The people of Bangladesh demand the July Proclamation, reforms, and a new constitution."
Akhtar described the government's decision to discuss the July Proclamation with "all political parties" as a "victory" for the Students Against Discrimination movement.
"The new constitution will be formed through elected representatives. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh will be a general assembly election," he added.
Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the anti-discrimination student movement, also demanded that the July Proclamation be issued by January 15. He criticized the interim government for failing to improve the "law and order situation" since taking charge.
He called for swift action to normalize law and order, dismantle syndicates, control prices, ensure the safety of revolutionaries, deliver justice for the Shapla Chattar and Pilkhana massacres, and address the crimes of the Awami League over the past 16 years.
Samanta Shermeen, spokesperson for JNC, reiterated the demand for the proclamation to be announced by January 15. She warned that if the government fails to act, students will be "forced to take to the streets" again. She urged students to remain steadfast until "justice and reforms" are achieved.
Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the JNC, stressed that the upcoming Proclamation must honor "the sacrifices of every martyr."
He added: "The proclamation must also outline reforms for institutions destroyed over the past 53 years. We envision a new Bangladesh."
Addressing the government, he said: "You must act quickly to dismantle the fascist system. If you fail, the 'children of the tigers of '24'—a reference to the brave activists of the July uprising—will take matters into their own hands."
People from diverse backgrounds, arriving from various regions, expressed a mix of emotions, ranging from hope to disappointment. While some saw the movement as a legacy to pass on to future generations, others voiced their desire for the eradication of discrimination.
Md Fakir Azad, a businessman from Moulvibazar, expressed mild disappointment.
"I came here for the 'Proclamation of Revolution,' not the 'March for Unity,' which was suddenly decided last night. Nevertheless, I believe in the need for national unity," he said.
Md Rubel Howladar, a rickshaw puller from Mohakhali and former worker at Beximco Pharmaceuticals, attended with his five-year-old son. He expressed hope that the program would teach his son and the younger generation about the uprising.
"I want my son to know the history of this movement," he said.
Md Shamim Darji, a Supreme Court lawyer, attended the event to keep the "spirit of the uprising fresh" without any ulterior motive.
Hamim, a student from Rangpur, shared his motivation for joining.
"I came here to highlight and address the discriminations our region faces, especially in terms of budget allocation and other facilities," he explained.
