Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has announced that his party will issue its own version of the "July Declaration" on August 3 at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, citing the government`s failure to deliver the promised declaration within the expected timeframe.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, Nahid Islam stated, “We believe that the historic significance of July must be recognized. Even if others do not participate, we will proceed with the declaration and manifesto. All other stakeholders of July are also invited to join.”
He further asserted that the anti-fascist momentum began with the quota reform movement on July 1 of the previous year, which he described as the starting point of a major political shift. “We have seen both achievements and setbacks over the past year. The July uprising was an extraordinary event in global history. It is our moral responsibility to honor the martyrs of July and remain committed to those injured,” he said.
When asked about the government’s role, Nahid Islam commented that the authorities must clarify their stance on preserving this chapter of history. While there has been official mention of a "July Declaration," he hopes the government will release it by August 5.
The NCP also announced a month-long series of events to commemorate the July uprising:
July 1: The program will begin with a visit to the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed in Rangpur. Party leaders will then embark on a nationwide march until July 30, meeting with families of the martyrs and those injured during the uprising.
July 16: This day, marking the death anniversary of Abu Sayeed, will be observed as "Anti-Discrimination Martyrs’ Day." Special prayers and remembrance events will be held in honor of Abu Sayeed and other martyrs.
August 3: Declared as the “July Declaration and Manifesto Day,” this event will be marked with the public reading of the July Declaration and associated manifesto at the Central Shaheed Minar.
August 5: The “People’s Liberation Day” will be celebrated across the country through various programs to commemorate the role of students and citizens in the movement.
The month-long commemoration is being led by Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer for NCP’s northern region, while Joint Convener Onik Raj is serving as the program’s member secretary.
