April 3, 2025 9:14 pm
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
UN Committee Approves Key Resolutions on Nuclear Disarmament, Including Road Map to a Nuclear-Free World
Germany Faces Economic Crisis, GDP Declines for Three Consecutive Years
Over 300,000 Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza in a Single Day
Spider-Man Star Opens Production House with His Brother
World Bank: Global Poverty Reduction Stalls, 2020-2030 a Lost Decade
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for Arctic Security Briefing
Related Posts
Elon Musk to Step Down from Government Role
Elon Musk’s Cost-Cutting Team Sends Error-Ridden Termination Notices to USAID Staff
Finland’s President Urges France or Britain to Engage with Russia on Ukraine
Controversial Waqf Bill Passed in India’s Lok Sabha
Israeli Forces Used Palestinians as ‘Human Shields’
World Leaders React to Trump’s Tariff Imposition
More News

Russian-Linked Hacking Group Targets NGO Workers’ WhatsApp Data

A hacking group allegedly linked to Russia’s government has attempted to steal WhatsApp data from employees of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing aid to Ukraine, according to a recent report by Microsoft Corp. The attackers, associated with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), sent targeted emails to specific individuals, inviting them to join WhatsApp groups. Microsoft researchers […]

Statement from President Joe Biden on $1 Trillion in Private Sector Investments Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Statement from President Joe Biden on $1 Trillion in Private Sector Investments Under the Biden-Harris Administration When I took office, the pandemic was raging and the economy was reeling. From Day One, I was determined to not only deliver economic relief, but to invest in America and grow the economy from the middle out and […]

Illegal Bangladeshi Settlers Attack Municipal Staff in Lucknow: Mayor Demands Action, 50 Shanties Demolished

LUCKNOW – On December 29, a mob of 150-200 illegal Bangladeshi settlers attacked municipal workers during an anti-encroachment drive in the Indira Nagar area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The team, led by municipal supervisor Minakshi, was assaulted by the mob armed with sticks, resulting in several injuries among the officials. The incident began around 7 […]

August 21 Grenade Attack Case: High Court Acquits Tarique Rahman and All Accused

Deepanwita Martin The High Court has acquitted all accused, including BNP’s Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Lutfozzaman Babar, in the widely debated August 21 grenade attack case. The attack, which targeted an anti-terrorism rally by the Awami League on Dhaka’s Bangabandhu Avenue 20 years ago, killed 24 people and injured […]

World Chess Championship 2024: India’s D Gukesh Falls to China’s Ding Liren in 12th Game

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh suffered a loss to defending champion Ding Liren of China in the 12th game of the 2024 World Chess Championship, held in Singapore. The 18-year-old challenger had been leading by one point following his second victory of the match on Sunday, breaking a streak of seven consecutive draws. Ding Liren’s victory […]

Marvel Fans React to ‌‘Scary’ Villain in New Thunderbolts Trailer

Marvel Studios has released the latest Thunderbolts trailer online, following its debut during the Super Bowl, and it’s stirring up excitement among fans. The 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) flips the Avengers formula on its head by bringing together a group of anti-heroes, many of whom have seen better days. Set to […]

Globe and Mail Report: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Likely to Resign

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been increasingly cornered in the country’s political landscape. Not only are opposition parties demanding his resignation, but similar calls are emerging from within his own party. In such a situation, reports suggest that the Prime Minister is likely to step down soon. According to reports from Globe and Mail, […]

COP29 Highlights: Experts Call for Business Transition Plans to Tackle Climate Crisis

AZERBAIJAN, NOVEMBER 15 – At COP29, experts stressed the urgent need for businesses to adopt Exponential Transition Plans (ETPs) and align with planetary boundaries to achieve net-zero targets. With six of nine planetary boundaries already breached, the speakers highlighted that exceeding 1.5°C global warming this century could undermine human life and economic stability as we […]

Tottenham until 2026

The English Premier League club has extended the contract with the South Korean forward for one year. Tottenham Hotspur have signed a one-year extension to Son Heung-min’s contract. So the South Korean forward will stay at the English Premier League club until 2026. Son joined Tottenham in 2015. The 32-year-old is now the club’s captain. […]

Trump’s ‘$21 Million’ Remark Sparks Political Uproar in India

U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that his country spent $21 million to increase voter turnout in India’s elections. His statement has triggered intense political debate in the world’s largest democracy. A few days earlier, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced that this funding had been canceled as part of […]