April 2, 2025 3:05 am
Full News

The “Proclamation of the July Revolution”: A Threat to Bangladesh’s Independence and Liberation War Legacy

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee are going to hold a programme for “Proclamation of the July Revolution” at the Dhaka Shaheed Minar.

The so-called “Proclamation of the July Revolution” represents a direct assault on the foundational values of Bangladesh’s independence and the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. Conceived under the guise of reform and inclusivity, this document is, in reality, a meticulously orchestrated conspiracy by pro-Pakistani forces, including the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islam and the militant group Hizb ut Tahrir. Their ultimate objective is to dismantle the 1972 Constitution and erode the democratic and secular fabric that has been the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sovereignty since its liberation.

Jamaat-e-Islam’s Treachery in 1971

Jamaat-e-Islam’s opposition to Bangladesh’s independence is well-documented and undeniable. During the Liberation War in 1971, Jamaat leaders openly collaborated with the Pakistani military, forming paramilitary groups like Al-Badr and Al-Shams to perpetrate atrocities against pro-independence forces and innocent civilians. These groups played a direct role in the infamous intellectual killings in December 1971, targeting academics, journalists, doctors, and cultural icons to cripple the intellectual backbone of the emerging nation.

Jamaat’s leaders, including Ghulam Azam and Motiur Rahman Nizami, actively campaigned against independence, branding it as a rebellion against “Islamic unity.” Their propaganda was designed to justify mass killings, rapes, and widespread destruction. Even after the war, Jamaat continued its efforts to undermine the secular state by aligning itself with reactionary forces and promoting extremist ideologies.

The Militant Underpinnings of the July Movement

The July Movement, which claims to champion democracy and justice, has been systematically infiltrated and co-opted by fundamentalist militants. Hizb ut Tahrir, a banned organization in many countries, has openly supported the movement’s agenda, viewing it as a vehicle to establish an Islamist state. Evidence points to the active involvement of Hizb ut Tahrir operatives in orchestrating violent demonstrations and spreading propaganda.

Since the forced exile of Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Dr. Muhammad Yunus as chief advisor on August 5, the country has plunged into chaos.

Targeted Killings of Law Enforcement: Police officers have become prime targets, with numerous assassinations aimed at destabilizing law enforcement and creating an atmosphere of fear.

Assassinations of Awami League Workers including the assassinations of pro-liberation forces.: Grassroots leaders and activists of the Awami League have been systematically hunted down, silencing voices of resistance against this extremist takeover.

Minority Persecution and Violence: Hindu temples have been vandalized, minority homes torched, and families forced to flee their ancestral lands. This persecution mirrors the communal violence encouraged by Jamaat during the Liberation War.

Terrorist Activities Across the Country: Bombings and armed attacks, often targeting public spaces and government institutions, have become alarmingly frequent, indicating a coordinated effort to destabilize the nation.

The “Proclamation”: A Blueprint for Disaster

The “Proclamation of the July Revolution” is not a manifesto for progress but a roadmap for regression. By seeking to dismantle the 1972 Constitution, the proclamation directly attacks the principles of democracy, secularism, and equality upon which Bangladesh was founded. Instead, it seeks to impose an authoritarian Islamist regime where personal freedoms and human rights will be suppressed under the guise of religious law.

The adoption of this proclamation would likely lead Bangladesh down the path of Afghanistan, where extremist forces dismantled democratic institutions, curtailed women’s rights, and marginalized minorities. Bangladesh’s rich cultural and religious diversity would be at grave risk, replaced by an oppressive and intolerant system.

The Legacy of the Liberation War

The Liberation War of 1971 was fought not only for independence but also for the ideals of justice, equality, and secularism. The sacrifices made by millions—from the martyrs to the freedom fighters—demand that we safeguard these values against any attempt to undermine them. The “Proclamation of the July Revolution” is an affront to the blood that was shed for our freedom.

The Call to Action

The people of Bangladesh must stand united in rejecting this insidious proclamation. The government, civil society, and international allies must work together to:

Expose the Conspiracy: Publicly unveil the links between the July Movement, Jamaat-e-Islam, and Hizb ut Tahrir to ensure that the people understand the true motives behind this proclamation.

Safeguard Minorities: Strengthen protections for minority communities and ensure swift justice for perpetrators of communal violence.

Preserve Democratic Institutions: Defend the Constitution and prevent any attempts to undermine its secular and democratic principles.

Promote Awareness: Educate the public about the dangers of extremist ideologies and the historical context of the Liberation War.

The dream of “Shonar Bangla,” envisioned by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, must not be hijacked by those who seek to exploit it for their extremist agendas. The “Proclamation of the July Revolution” must be seen for what it truly is: a calculated ploy to destroy the very essence of Bangladesh. Let us honor the sacrifices of 1971 by rejecting this proclamation and reaffirming our commitment to a democratic, secular, and inclusive nation.

Sahadat Russell, Associate Editor The Voice.

Related News
Arab Leaders Reject Trump’s ‘Deception’ on Gaza
19 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Amid Intensifying Israeli Strikes
Trade Deal with the U.S. Soon: Modi
California Man Sentenced to Life for Hate Crime Murder of Gay Jewish Student
India Express Interview: Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal Reveals Intelligence Failure, Calls Elections Yunus’s Only Way Out
World’s Longest-Serving Political Prisoner Released from Israeli Jail
Related Posts
The Rise of Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh: Political Instability and Global Influences
Bangladesh at a Crossroads: The Rise of Religious Conservatism Amid Political Transition
U.S. to Honor Controversial Bangladeshi Protesters, Sparks Debate
State Dept: No Recipient to Accept Madeleine Albright Group Award at IWOC
Are Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, and Other Seasoned Journalists’ Cases Finally Getting Congressional Attention?
Iran-U.S. Relations: A Timeline of Tensions and Turning Points
More News

Biden Pardons 39 Individuals in a Day and Reduces Sentences for 1,500 Others

U.S. President Joe Biden has just over a month left in office, and during this time, he has been granting clemency to many offenders. In a single day, he pardoned 39 individuals convicted of non-violent offenses and reduced the sentences of nearly 1,500 long-term prisoners. This news was reported by Reuters on Friday (December 13). […]

Freed Thai Hostages Reunited with Families After Gaza Ordeal

After enduring nearly 500 days of captivity, five Thai farm workers have safely returned home from Gaza, greeted by emotional reunions at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The workers, Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao, were kidnapped by Hamas during attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The scenes at the […]

Adani’s $100 Billion Renewable Energy Ambitions Derail Amid U.S. Bribery Indictment

New Delhi — Gautam Adani’s ambitious plans to build the world’s largest renewable energy project are facing a significant setback following a U.S. bribery indictment. Adani, along with his nephew Sagar Adani and managing director Vneet S. Jaain, is accused of paying $265 million in bribes to secure Indian power contracts and misleading U.S. investors […]

India slams Canada for linking minister Amit Shah to Sikh separatist plot

India has denied that Home Minister Amit Shah plotted to target Sikh activists on Canadian soil as it criticized Canada over the “absurd and baseless” allegations. Shah, 60, oversees India’s internal security forces as home minister. He is viewed as the country’s second-most powerful person after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Saturday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman […]

Kejriwal Demands to Congress’s Expulsion from INDIA Alliance

Tensions have resurfaced within the INDIA Alliance as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeks to have the Congress expelled from the coalition. The party has already initiated discussions with other alliance partners on this matter. The Aam Aadmi Party has made it clear that they will not ally with Congress in the upcoming Delhi Assembly […]

FBI Investigates Oracle Cyberattack Targeting Patient Data

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating a cyberattack on Oracle that resulted in the theft of sensitive patient data, Bloomberg News reported on March 28. Hackers reportedly accessed Oracle’s servers after January 22, copying patient data to an external location. The attack targeted multiple U.S. medical providers in an extortion attempt. Oracle, headquartered […]

Denmark and U.S. to Hold High-Level Talks Amid Greenland Tensions

Brussels, Belgium – Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week during the NATO foreign ministers’ gathering in Brussels. This marks the first high-level talks between the two nations since President Donald Trump’s re-election and his controversial remarks about “taking control” of Greenland. The meeting, […]

How dangerous are the Afghan returnee militants ?

Nomad Dragonfly Bangladesh has been talking about Islamist militancy and extremism or an armed struggle to establish a Shariah-based state since early 1999. Members of the Bangladesh branch of the Pakistani militant outfit Harkatul Jihad al-Islami or HuJI attacked poet Shamsur Rahman with an intention of killing him on January 18 in that year. After […]

South Korea’s Yoon ‘won’t appear’ for questioning

Investigators have prepared more than 200 pages of questions for questioning, but Yoon refuses to talk to them.Arrested South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol does not want to take part in a second day of questioning on Thursday, his lawyer said. It is again hampering a criminal investigation into whether Yun rebelled in an attempt […]

Barcelona’s Olmo Crisis: Club Faces Uncertainty Again

Barcelona is in trouble again after Dani Olmo, their big summer signing, was removed from La Liga’s list of registered players. As of January 1, Olmo and Pau Víctor are no longer eligible to play because the club couldn’t meet La Liga’s financial rules. Olmo, a £51 million signing and Euro 2024 winner with Spain, […]