The 1972 Constitution will be symbolically buried on 31 December with the reading of the July Revolution proclamation, according to Hasnat Abdullah, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday (29 December) at Bangla Motor in Dhaka, organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Hasnat Abdullah remarked that the delay in announcing the July Revolution proclamation on 5 August has provided fascist forces with opportunities to conspire from abroad.
He argued that this has raised questions about the legitimacy of the mass uprising and undermined the aspirations of the people who have rejected the 1972 Constitution.
"On 31 December, the nation will witness the burial of Mujib's 1972 Constitution as a documentary testament to the people’s rejection. Citizens will gather at Shaheed Minar to voice their aspirations for a new Bangladesh," he stated.
Other conveners of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement also addressed the press conference, echoing similar sentiments.
Abdul Hannan Masud, chief organiser of the movement, emphasised that alongside the families of martyrs, members of all political parties and supporters of the mass uprising from diverse professions will converge at Shaheed Minar on 31 December.
"The Awami League, identified as a Nazi-like organisation, will be declared irrelevant, and the collective aspirations for constructing a new Bangladesh will be unveiled," Hannan added.
He revealed that a draft of the proclamation has already been shared with various political parties.
"The final proclamation will be read out on 31 December, with collective participation," he confirmed.
Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the National Citizens’ Committee and General Secretary of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, noted that while the proclamation should have been announced earlier, insufficient cooperation from various sectors had delayed its issuance.
"The proclamation will serve as a historical document delineating the rejection of past systems and the framework for a new system. For those who assume leadership in the future, this document will act as a guiding charter, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh," he remarked.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leaders anticipate a significant turnout at the Shaheed Minar on 31 December, marking a decisive step towards realising a new vision for Bangladesh.
