The ‘July Charter’ has been urgently amended based on demands raised by the ‘July Warriors,’ according to National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz.
In a statement sent to the media on Friday, Ali Riaz said that Clause 5 of the ‘July Charter’ had been revised following discussions with the July Warriors and consultations with political parties.
Speaking directly to the protesters gathered on Manik Mia Avenue near the South Plaza of the National Parliament, Ali Riaz announced the changes ahead of the scheduled charter signing ceremony.
He was joined by fellow commission members Justice Md Emdadul Haque, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Md Ayub Miah, and Monir Haider, special assistant to the chief adviser involved in the consensus formation process.
Professor Riaz read out the revised text of Clause 5, which now states, “We commit to ensuring justice for all individuals who were victims of enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the 16-year democratic struggle against Awami fascism prior to the mass uprising, as well as for all those killed by certain members of the fascist Awami League and its allied security forces during the July-August 2024 uprising. We pledge to provide state honours to the martyrs, recognise the injured July fighters as national heroes, and offer them proper support, including monthly stipends, quality medical treatment, rehabilitation, and legal immunity for martyr families and wounded freedom fighters, while safeguarding their fundamental rights and security.”
Ali Riaz affirmed that the commission would present this amended commitment to the government clearly and unequivocally.
He also noted that there was no disagreement between political parties and the commission regarding the updated clause.
The statement comes amid escalating tensions outside the National Parliament. What was intended to be a formal and symbolic signing event turned chaotic earlier in the day, as hundreds of July Warriors breached the perimeter wall and stormed into the designated event area.
Despite attempts by security forces to hold them back, protesters overwhelmed the barriers. Police responded with baton charges, while protesters retaliated by throwing stones and bricks.
The violent standoff, which led to injuries and destruction of property, has raised serious concerns about whether the planned signing ceremony would go ahead as scheduled.
