A new political platform, emerging from the July Uprising, is poised to be unveiled in April.
On Sunday (16 March) evening, Ali Ahsan Junaid, former joint convener of the National Citizens’ Committee and the chief architect of this new initiative, made the announcement via Facebook.
Accompanying his declaration was a photocard captioned "A New Platform for the Spirit of the July Uprising is Coming in April".
The image featured graffiti depicting six individuals—women both with and without hijabs, alongside men in traditional jubba and taqiyah, as well as others in varying attire—symbolising the platform’s inclusive ethos.
According to insiders, the initiative may eventually evolve into a full-fledged political party.
Following the mass student and citizen-led uprising, an initial effort to establish a political entity took shape under the banner of the National Citizens’ Committee, where Junaid served as a joint convener.
This eventually led to the formation of the National Citizens’ Party, with Nahid Islam unanimously endorsed as its leader.
However, disagreements arose over the post of member secretary, leading Junaid and joint member secretary Rafe Salman Rifat to withdraw from the initiative.
Both Junaid and Rifat were previously associated with the Dhaka University chapter of Shibir.
The newly announced platform’s manifesto underscores the belief that while the toppling of the previous regime on the 36th of July heralded a new era in Bangladesh’s political trajectory, the aspirations of many who participated in the uprising remain unfulfilled.
Key concerns such as justice for the Pilkhana, Shapla, and July massacres, the proscription of the fascist Awami League, the establishment of a corruption-free socio-political framework, the eradication of Islamophobia and religious intolerance, and the dismantling of authoritarian structures have been sidelined by mainstream political entities.
Additionally, the recognition and honour of those martyred or injured during the uprising remain incomplete.
In light of these unmet objectives, the platform’s founders have resolved to unite all political and social forces aligned with the July Uprising’s ideals, aiming to translate its demands into reality.
They assert their unwavering commitment to seeing through the revolution sparked by the events of the "36th of July", advocating for competent and ethical leadership across all sectors of society, ensuring social justice and dignity, and fortifying national security.
The manifesto emphasises that only through the uprooting of the existing fascist system and a decisive stand against hegemonic influences can the revolution be deemed complete.
The platform’s vision extends to fostering a new political culture rooted in a social contract that respects religious beliefs and values.
Calling for widespread participation in the post-uprising reconstruction of Bangladesh, its proponents urge citizens to join hands in the collective struggle to build a just and equitable nation.
