The groups demand the government swiftly announce the release date
Published : 16 Jan 2025, 02:57 AM
The Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens' Committee have condemned the government's failure to publish the proclamation of the July uprising within the set timeframe.
The groups accused the interim administration of reluctance and demanded an immediate announcement of the release date for the proclamation.
During a press conference on Wednesday night, leaders from both organisations raised concerns over the delay.
They said the proclamation is urgently needed for the government's own legitimacy.
The groups had set Jan 15 as the deadline for the publication of the proclamation, during the “March for Unity” programme on Dec 31, 2024.
The deadline for the government to comply with the demand expired on Wednesday.
The interim government said work on the proclamation has begun, and an all-party meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus set to participate.
Drafts of the proclamation have already been sent to political parties and relevant organisations for their feedback, and the final version will be prepared based on their inputs.
In this context, leaders from the National Citizens' Committee and the Anti-discrimination Student Movement held a press conference at the movement’s central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor.
The committee’s convenor Md Nasiruddin Patwari and its Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, along with the movement’s General Secretary Arif Sohel spoke at the event.
In a written statement, Arif said: "Over the last 15 days, the government has made no visible progress on the proclamation issue.
“The government has not even started dialogue with the Anti-discrimination Student Movement or political parties. We strongly condemn the government's reluctance and slow pace."
He added, “The current provision of Article 106 in the Constitution, which lacks legal binding, cannot serve as a full basis for the government's legitimacy
"One day before the Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s ultimatum expired, the government announced that it would meet all political parties on Thursday.
“However, the government has failed to provide any satisfactory answer as to why no visible steps have been taken over the past 15 days. We strongly protest the government's slow pace and lack of commitment."
The movement leader, in his statement, urged for an immediate declaration of the proclamation release date.
He concluded, “It must be ensured that the proclamation serves as the foundation for the forthcoming constitutional and legal framework,