The Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement has announced a “March for Unity” scheduled for Tuesday (December 31) at 3 PM at the Central Shaheed Minar. In an emergency press conference held at 1:30 AM, the Member Secretary of the movement, Arif Sohel, urged everyone to participate spontaneously in the program.
Following this announcement, discussions erupted on social media, with many welcoming the government’s decision to issue the declaration and calling for unity amidst challenges. Red banners once again began to dominate social media platforms as people rallied in support of the proclamation.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued special traffic instructions regarding the event at the Central Shaheed Minar. Vehicles entering Dhaka via Gabtoli were directed to park at the old trade fair grounds in Manik Mia Avenue and Agargaon. Those entering from Saydabad and Jatrabari were instructed to use parking spaces near the Dhaka University playground and campus areas. Vehicles entering via Abdullahpur were directed to park in the 300 Feet area.
The government announced its decision to publish the proclamation of the July Revolution through an emergency press briefing in front of the state guesthouse Jamuna on Monday (December 30). Chief Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the proclamation would be prepared based on national consensus, incorporating the perspectives of all students, political parties, and stakeholders involved in the revolution. The document will reflect the context, foundation of unity, and aspirations of the people following the July Revolution.
In response, the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement declared that the proclamation is essential as a recognition of the sacrifices made by countless martyrs and wounded fighters. They emphasized that as the leading organization of the July Revolution, they hold the historical responsibility of drafting and announcing this proclamation. Despite various challenges, the movement took on this responsibility to honor the aspirations of the student and general populace.
Their initiative has generated significant positive responses among students and the public. They called for mass participation in the upcoming program to continue this momentum.
The Chief Coordinator of the movement, Abdul Hannan Masud, reaffirmed that the program for the July Revolution Proclamation would proceed as planned on Tuesday. Addressing a gathering of students in front of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement office late Monday night, he stated that their efforts to deliver the proclamation had faced numerous obstacles, but they had achieved preliminary success as the government agreed to endorse it.
At 1:30 AM, Arif Sohel reiterated during the emergency press conference, “The July Proclamation was essential to acknowledge the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs and express the aspirations of the people. As the leading organization of the July Revolution, we took on the responsibility of drafting this historic document despite various adversities. The government’s decision to draft the proclamation based on national consensus is a timely and significant step that we wholeheartedly welcome.”
Another representative, Sarzis Alam, highlighted the importance of the proclamation being issued as a state document, stating, “We believe that the government’s acknowledgment of this responsibility is a commendable step. Including the proclamation as a constitutional PML document will ensure its sustainability and enhance its national and international credibility.”
When asked whether the movement would still issue the proclamation independently, Hannan Masud explained, “The people of this country will stand in support of the proclamation tomorrow. At the Central Shaheed Minar, we will clarify how the proclamation will be issued. We have consistently advocated for state support and the inclusion of all political parties in this process. Despite conspiracies, both domestic and international, the interim government has paved the way for this historic document.”
Masud concluded by urging the people to join the program at the Shaheed Minar, saying, “The sacrifices made for the July Revolution demand that we remain united. While the government will issue the proclamation, we will continue to stand with the people, calling for widespread participation to uphold this historic document as a symbol of our unity and aspirations.”
