July uprising, July Declaration proposed for constitutional recognition

Proposals to give the July uprising of 2024 permanent constitutional recognition and to incorporate the July Declaration into the constitution were placed before the Special Committee on Constitutional Amendment of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday.

Committee chairman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed presided over the sixth meeting at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque Nur and committee member Barrister Shakila Farjana attended. 

Families of martyrs and injured fighters of the uprising also took part and presented their views.

Participants proposed that the spirit of the uprising and the July Declaration be placed in an appropriate part of the constitution. They also sought legal protection and immunity for July fighters, and action to end the harassment and legal complications they face.

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They urged speedier trials over the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed during the uprising, and raised the issues of medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured. 

They also stressed the need for a safe, discrimination-free environment for women in politics, citing women’s participation in the uprising.The meeting also discussed proposals on strengthening democratic institutions, including reforms to the judiciary, the Election Commission and the non-party caretaker government system, and a referendum mechanism for amending key constitutional provisions.

The committee accepted the proposals for consideration and invited written recommendations from others.

Formed in parliament on 13 July, the committee had earlier held five meetings with political parties, journalists and other stakeholders. 

The 11-party opposition alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has rejected the parliamentary process and demanded implementation through a Constitutional Reform Council.