Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has denounced the July Declaration as “incomplete” and “detached from the expectations of the people.”
The party has demanded that the core aspirations of the July Uprising be fully reflected in the document, along with a clear legal framework for implementation.
Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher, Nayeb-e-Amir of Jamaat, made the remarks during a press conference held at the party’s central office in the capital's Moghbazar on Wednesday afternoon.
Referring to Tuesday’s declaration, which was read out by the chief adviser to the interim government at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, Taher said, “The July Declaration does not reflect the expectations of the people. It ignores key historical events and sacrifices that shaped our political struggle.”
He pointed out the omission of several significant incidents, including the 1947 independence, the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the events of October 28.
There is also no recognition of the contributions made by Islamic scholars, madrasa teachers and students, expatriates, and online activists during the July Uprising, he added.
Taher further mentioned that the 9-point demand that served as the cornerstone of the July Uprising was reduced to a one-point, which he said was also overlooked in the declaration.
He said that the primary goal of the July Uprising was to bring about comprehensive state reforms.
“A 19-point consensus was reached in two phases through the National Consensus Commission to formulate the July National Charter. However, the declaration failed to mention this process, or how and when it will be implemented,” he added.
He expressed concern that the responsibility for implementing the declaration has been passed on to the next government, which, in his words, "undermines the sacrifices made by thousands of people and disrespects the spirit of the July movement."
While Jamaat has conditionally supported the December–June election timeline announced by the Chief Adviser, Taher criticised the lack of political consultation in setting the schedule. Nonetheless, he called the move “positive in the national interest.”
Describing Jamaat as an election-oriented party, Taher stressed that the government must ensure a conducive environment for free and fair elections.
The Jamaat leader demanded that polls be conducted based on the July National Charter and that a level playing field be established for all political parties.
He urged the interim government to give legal footing to the July National Charter—through an ordinance, Legal Framework Order (LFO), or referendum—before announcing the national election schedule. “Otherwise, the reform efforts of the interim government will remain incomplete,” he said.
He further added that a sense of anxiety prevails among the July fighters, including families of the martyrs and injured. “The nation is still unclear on how the July Charter will be implemented through the Consensus Commission.”
Among others, Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Hamidur Rahman Azad, Maulana Abdul Halim, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Dhaka Metropolitan North Ameer Selim Uddin, were also present.