DUCSU demands swift implementation of July Charter

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) on Wednesday demanded the immediate implementation of the July Charter and related reforms, warning of renewed protests if the government continues to delay action despite strong public support.

The demand came at a reform discussion titled ‘July Charter and Reforms: Aspirations of Martyrs’, held at the DUCSU premises at 3:00pm, where family members of those killed in the July uprising shared their expectations and concerns.

Presiding over the programme, DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem said the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs had created expectations for a just and democratic Bangladesh, but alleged that those expectations were being ignored. 

He stressed that the independence of constitutional institutions, including the referendum process and the Human Rights Commission, must be ensured and warned that the movement would resume if necessary to realise the martyrs’ aspirations.

Speakers criticised the government for delaying the implementation of the July Charter despite what they claimed was around 70 per cent public support in the referendum.

They warned that ignoring the people’s mandate could force citizens back onto the streets.

In his welcome speech, DUCSU Health and Environment Secretary MM Al Minhaj said any attempt to return to the previous system of governance would be unacceptable. He cautioned that a recurrence of enforced disappearances, torture and human rights violations would go directly against public expectations.

DUCSU Executive Member Md Belal Hossain Apu said any implementation of the July Charter that ignores the people’s mandate would not be accepted. 

Raisul Islam warned that the activities of the new government might provoke young people to take to the streets again and could revive past crises in the judiciary.

Student Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah said no government could survive by ignoring the referendum verdict, calling for transparent recruitment and swift implementation of reforms. 

Literary and Cultural Secretary Mosaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad expressed disappointment over the slow pace of reform and said there was still time to act in line with public expectations.

Sadil Ahmed, Member Secretary of the July Revolutionary Council, said the sacrifices of 1,400 martyrs were not merely for a change in power but for fundamental transformation of the state. He warned that any disruption to that goal would lead to renewed public mobilisation.

Family members of the martyrs delivered emotional speeches, demanding justice, recognition and the swift implementation of the July Charter.

The mother of Shaheed Ibrahim said her only hope was that no other mother would have to recover her child’s body and that the old regime would not return. Shaheed Jisan’s mother said she was proud of her son’s sacrifice but urged the government to restore public trust through quick implementation of the charter.

Shaheed Din Islam’s father said they had supported the July Charter in the referendum and now expected its implementation. Shaheed Rakib’s brother questioned the government’s delay, while Shaheed Sohel Rana’s brother alleged that his sibling had been buried as an unidentified person after his disappearance.

Monir Hossain, father of Shaheed Hasan, said his son’s body was identified only after a long process through DNA testing, adding that many martyrs remain unidentified, which is deeply concerning.

Sports Secretary Arman Hossain and Executive Member Anas Ibne Munir, among others, were present at the event, which was hosted by DUCSU Executive Member Raihan Uddin.