The Voice News : The alliance of groups behind the July uprising, known as ‘July Unity’, has withdrawn its protest movement following a government assurance to remove 44 Hindu bureaucrats, identified as close to the Awami League, by June 19. The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 3, after the group reportedly received formal confirmation from government representatives.
‘July Unity’ claims that these Hindu officials, allegedly close to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have supported authoritarian governance from within the administration. The group has accused them of maintaining ties with India and leaking sensitive information across the border. For several months, social media campaigns have circulated lists of over a hundred Hindu officials with names and addresses, demanding their removal.
Previously, the group had threatened a “March to the Secretariat” after the government failed to act by an earlier deadline. As per schedule, around 20–25 students and activists gathered in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh at 11:30 AM on Tuesday. They chanted slogans demanding the dismissal of pro-Awami League officials and warned of intensified actions if their demands were not met.
The protesters marched toward the Secretariat, but police stopped them near the Education Ministry building with a barricade. Police stated the measure was taken to maintain public order. Later, a five-member delegation from ‘July Unity’, led by Ramna Police DC Masud Alam, was allowed into the Secretariat. After a meeting with government officials, the delegation was reportedly assured that the identified officials would be removed by June 19. Following this assurance, ‘July Unity’ formally announced the suspension of its protest.
This incident is being seen as a significant example of how a small group can exert influence over administrative decisions. However, ‘July Unity’ has warned that it will resume protests if the promised action is not taken by the deadline.
Since taking power, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been accused of empowering fundamentalist and extremist elements in the country. Allegations have surfaced that these groups are being given state resources and used to suppress minority communities including Hindus and Ahmadiyya Muslims. At the same time, it is claimed that extremist Islamic groups are being used tactically by Yunus’s administration to push through certain political agendas.