Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government wants to see the implementation of July Charter by January and has sought the co-operation of opposition party regarding constitutional amendments.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of July Uprising Memorial at Osmani Udyan in Dhaka on Monday morning, he said, “We heard yesterday that the honourable opposition leader said they will not co-operate with the government but will co-operate with 18 crore people. Co-operate with 18 crore people – this is what we want.”
Salahuddin said the process of implementing July Charter has progressed, adding that parts of it must be implemented through constitutional amendments and other parts through changes in laws and regulations.
He alleged that although the government has taken the initiative for constitutional amendments, the opposition party is not co-operating in this effort.
Regarding the role of the opposition, Salahuddin said, “As an opposition party, we want you to make constructive criticism and point out the government’s mistakes and flaws. But there must be consistency between your speeches and your contribution to constitutional reform.”
Highlighting the background of July Uprising, he noted that through continuous democratic struggles from 2009 to 2024, the uprising of students and the public took place on 5 August of that year. He said the history and spirit of July must be held as a guiding light for future generations.
The minister remarked that the spirit of July should not be confined only to annual formal ceremonies, but must be reflected in literature, drama, and cultural activities.
He also commented that the due dignity of the fighters will not be established until their aspirations and the expectations of July are fulfilled.
Referring to the July Declaration and the July Charter, Salahuddin noted that the charter was formulated through lengthy discussions and exchanges of views.
He said alongside this charter, the government aims to build a Bangladesh for future generations by embedding the aspirations of the fighters into constitutional, legal, and development activities.
The government is working to fulfill the spirit of July Uprising and the aspirations of fighters through the implementation of plan announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he added.
