The announcement of the proclamation of the July-August Uprising by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has sparked widespread debate, with the BNP and several political parties raising concerns over its timing and intent, while Jamaat-e-Islami extended its endorsement.
BNP leaders have expressed apprehension that the students’ initiative, coming five months after Sheikh Hasina's ousting on 5 August, could delay the forthcoming election.
"The BNP wants an election at the earliest and believes that only an elected government can run the country," stated party insiders.
Leaders from Ganosamhati Andolon and Gono Odhikar Parishad accused the student group of attempting to monopolise credit for the historic uprising that led to Hasina’s ouster.
"Students Against Discrimination is trying to make it seem like it alone led the revolution," they remarked.
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah declared that the Mujibist constitution of 1972 must be "buried" under the proclamation of the July Uprising.
This sentiment drew sharp criticism from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB).
CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince emphasised that the 1972 constitution was an outcome of Bangladesh's protracted struggle for independence.
"The constitution and its preamble -- nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism -- were a continuation of the 21-point demands of the 1954 Jukta Front, the 11-point demands of 1969, and the Declaration of Independence. To disown this is to disown the Liberation War itself," he asserted.
BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas also condemned the students’ stance. "The constitution of 1972 came at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs. As your elders, we feel disappointed when you say it should be buried. If there is anything flawed in it, it can be amended," he remarked during an event.
Mirza Abbas cautioned the student leaders against adopting rhetoric reminiscent of fascist regimes.
A BNP central committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested the students’ actions might serve to delay the election.
"This sudden initiative raises questions. BNP supports an interim period for necessary reforms, but it must not be indefinite," the member added.
Jamaat spokesperson Motiur Rahman Akanda welcomed the students’ proclamation, stating, "The Students Against Discrimination led the mass uprising against the fascist Awami League government. We will share our formal reaction after reviewing the content of their proclamation."
Conversely, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan criticised the students for acting unilaterally. "Decisions like this must involve consultations with political parties and stakeholders. Declaring this so late defies logic and raises questions," he said.
A leader of Ganosamhati Andolon, also speaking anonymously, accused the students of pursuing political gains.
"This move appears to be aimed at advancing their own agenda, sidelining others who contributed to the movement," the leader claimed.
The proclamation, scheduled for 31 December, continues to draw mixed reactions, underscoring divisions over its potential impact on the nation’s political and constitutional landscape.
