July warriors and the families of the July martyrs on Friday staged a sit-in protest at Shahbagh in the capital, demanding the swift announcement and completion of the July Declaration and July Charter, with a call to include them in the permanent statutes of the Constitution.
The protest, which began early in the day, highlighted growing frustration over the delay in implementing promised constitutional reforms.
“We are here today to demand justice for the lives lost during the July Uprising and to ensure that our sacrifices are not forgotten,” said Shamim Ara, a spokesperson for the families of the martyrs.
“The July Declaration and Charter, which represent the hopes and dreams of thousands, must be made a permanent part of the nation’s laws.”
The July Uprising, which led to the ousting of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, saw massive protests calling for greater political reform and an end to the authoritarian rule of the Awami League government.
The interim government, which took office after the uprising, pledged to incorporate reforms outlined in the July Declaration, which includes changes to the country’s political structure and power distribution.
However, the protesters claim that nearly a year has passed since the interim government assumed power, and tangible reforms have yet to be implemented.
They argue that despite the government’s assurances, key elements of the July Charter, such as the establishment of an upper house in parliament and changes to the electoral system, have not been enacted.
“The interim government promised to make significant changes, but we are still waiting for concrete action. The July Declaration must become law to honour the sacrifices made by the martyrs,” said Abul Hasan, a relative of one of the victims.
As the sit-in continues, political analysts believe that the outcome of this protest could have significant implications for the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape.
While some political parties have expressed support for the protesters’ demands, others have cautioned against making sudden changes that could destabilise the country further.
The government has yet to respond to the protesters’ demands, but with the anniversary of the July Uprising approaching, it remains to be seen whether the interim administration will take further action on the issue.