Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Narayanganj, known as the "cradle of politics" and the "Dundee of the East," has awakened in support of the July Revolution Declaration. Citizens, especially students and the youth, alongside socially conscious individuals, have demanded the rapid publication of the declaration.

Leaders from various political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, have also expressed their support. Central leaders, including Hasnat Abdullah, Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, have visited Narayanganj.

Advol Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, Member Secretary of Narayanganj Metropolitan BNP, said, "The anti-discrimination mass movement is the movement of the common people of Bangladesh. BNP, along with other parties, has fought against the oppression of the fascist Awami League government for 16 years. This is not the movement of a single person or organization.

Tarique Rahman was the mastermind of this movement, and BNP acted on his directives. We are not fully aware of the contents of the July Revolution Declaration. If it favors any individual or political group, we will comment on it accordingly. However, if it is aimed at the welfare of the country and the nation, we will support it."

Cultural figure Rafiur Rabbi said, "I am not concerned with political affiliations. I only understand that the students and the people have fought to free the nation from the oppression of the fascist government. Shedding their blood on the streets and sacrificing their lives to police bullets, they freed the nation from tyranny. The July Revolution Declaration should document the sacrifices and heroism of our brave students and citizens.

On February 15, at a public gathering held at the Narayanganj Central Shaheed Minar, Hasnat Abdullah issued a warning. He stated, "If Awami League leaders and activists claim to be fighting for human rights, it would be equivalent to supporting fascism. Any pen that writes in favor of fascism will be broken. Our stance will remain firm against any media or intellectuals promoting fascism."

He added, "If the next policymakers fail to understand the aspirations of the youth, they will meet the same fate as the Awami League. Every anti-fascist political party, anti-discrimination student movement, and intellectual force should come together to build the next phase of Bangladesh. Every decision must be documented for recognition. The July Revolution Declaration must be issued immediately."

Hasnat also demanded justice for every Awami League leader and activist, saying, "Those advocating for the rehabilitation of Awami League or claiming elections will not be inclusive are complicit with the Awami League."

He further said, "On January 15, we issued an ultimatum for the declaration. The interim government had promised to issue the declaration based on political consensus, but there has been no progress. If the advisors to the government believe state constraints are preventing them from issuing the declaration, they should publicly reveal the truth. If they fail, they should step down from their advisory roles and join the public movement. Just as we overthrew Hasina's regime in August, we will take to the streets again to fulfill our demands."

Samantha Sharmin, spokesperson for the National Citizens' Committee, said, "Mujibism has been used to confuse the youth of Bangladesh. The youth of 2024 have shown what Bangladesh is capable of. Shamim Osman has committed oppression and injustice in Narayanganj. He and his beneficiaries must be brought to justice."

Farhana Manik Muna, President of Narayanganj District Student Federation said , "There is no legitimate election in Bangladesh without a Constituent Assembly election. These issues must be addressed in the declaration, which will serve as a mandate for the youth of Bangladesh.