United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said a certain group is "eager to obstruct" the election process and they must remain "vigilant" to ensure that the group does not get any opportunity to turn the election into a conflict. "They (a certain group) are working from both outside and within the country, engaging in various conspiracies to derail our democratic progress," he said. In a televised speech to the nation on Tuesday night, Prof Yunus said the defeated forces will try repeatedly to rise until the election is held. "But if we can successfully conduct a free, fair, and impartial election, the defeat of those destructive forces will be final," he said. The Chief Adviser said they will use technology to ensure constant consultation on election-related matters. "We are in the process of developing an app for this purpose, which will be launched soon. Through this app, you will be able to share your suggestions, opinions, concerns, and initiatives with us," he said, adding that they will forward them to the appropriate authorities and take steps to resolve any issues. Prof Yunus urged the police and parties to make sure that the youth and women are not left out while making their election manifestos. CA Prof Yunus to write CEC to arrange national election in February "To the political parties, I urge you: in your election manifestos, in your promises and plans, make sure the youth are not left out. Make sure women are not left out," he said, stressing that the young men and women who have transformed Bangladesh have the power to transform the world. "Give them the opportunity to do so through your party," Prof Yunus said. In the upcoming election, he said, everyone must be able to vote safely for their candidate of choice, and there must be no room for objection to that. "Let us all respect each other’s choices, let that be our shared commitment." Prof Yunus said the trial of crimes against humanity committed in July and August is progressing firmly. The interim government entered the final and most important chapter of its journey as they will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government. On behalf of the interim government, Prof Yunus, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting that the Election Commission to arrange the national election in February 2026, before the holy month of Ramadan. July Declaration highlights people’s desire for good governance, fair polls, social justice "Let this election be remembered in the country’s history for its celebratory spirit, peaceful conduct, voter turnout, harmony, and sincerity," he said, noting that they started their mental and institutional preparation to achieve that. This time, the interim government wants to ensure the participation of expatriate voters. The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun, he said, noting that those involved in the horrific massacres of history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country. The trial process and its outcomes, the Chief Adviser said, will be revealed to the public step by step. "The entire process of justice is being kept transparent and visible to people," Prof Yunus added.

The people of Bangladesh have expressed their desire for ensuring good governance and fair elections, the rule of law and economic and social justice, according to the ‘July Declaration’ unveiled by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday. People also expressed their desire to introduce lawfully democratic reforms for all state and constitutional institutions, the 28-point declaration reads. It mentioned that the people of Bangladesh expressed a strong desire to bring under trial crimes involving all kinds of oppression, violence and looting of state property and also crimes of enforced disappearance and murder, individuals and mass killings, and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the fascist Awami League government during the 16 years long anti-fascist agitation of the people of Bangladesh and during the July Mass Uprising of 2024. “The people of Bangladesh express their desire to recognise the martyrs of the July Uprising as national heroes and provide necessary legal protection to the students and people participating in the movement,” reads the declaration. It said the people of Bangladesh expressed their aspirations for establishing a society and a democratic state system that upholds the rule of law and human rights and moral values, and is free from corruption and exploitation. They also expressed their expectations to protect the rights of the present and the future generations through an environmental friendly, climate resilient, sustainable and inclusive development strategy. Prof Yunus unveils ‘July Declaration’, says it reflects people’s aspirations The people of Bangladesh expressed their desire that the student-people uprising of 2024 will get proper state and constitutional recognition and that the July declaration will feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election. The document of declaration is written to reflect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh at the event of the victory in the mass uprising of August 5, 2024. At the beginning of the July Declaration, it was mentioned that in continuation of the historical struggle against colonialism, the people of this land rose against the deprivation and exploitation inflicted by the authoritarian Pakistani regime, and established the state of Bangladesh through the bloody Liberation War following the Declaration of Independence made on 26 March, 1971 for achieving freedom. Finalised by the interim government, Prof Yunus started reading it out at 5:21 pm in presence of all political parties. Top leaders from the major political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party (NCP), joined the event at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is Professor Mia Golam Parwar, NCP Convener Nahid Islam and representatives from other political parties were present. The programme began with the playing of the national anthem. A video documentary was also screened.

The government has sought the opinions from political parties and stakeholders over the July Declaration.The government sought the opinions about the July Declaration following an all-party dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held on Thursday, said Chief Adviser’s press wing on Saturday.They can send their opinions through letters to Adviser Mahfuj Alam, Chief Adviser’s Office, until January 23. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif NazrulThese opinions will be reviewed to prepare a revised and acceptable declaration which will be announced without delay in presence of public.All-party meeting on July Declaration begins

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday urged the interim government to remain alert to ensure that no rift is created in the anti-fascist unity over the ‘July Declaration’. Talking to reporters after attending a meeting between the Chief Adviser and political parties and other forces at the Foreign Service Academy, the BNP leader said he raised the question at the meeting of whether a declaration for the July mass uprising was necessary after five and a half months had elapsed. Babar breaks down in tears at Ziaur Rahman’s grave “If any political document becomes a historical record, we will certainly respect it. But we have suggested including all concerned parties and taking their opinions into account when formulating such a document. We have requested the Chief Adviser and all relevant advisers to pay attention to this matter and take appropriate steps to ensure that no rift is created in national unity and no confusion arises among us,” the BNP leader said. He said it is now the biggest challenge for the nation to turn the national unity formed through the July-August mass uprising against fascism into a mass unity and nurture that unity within the country’s political culture and practice it. The BNP leader said the nation must maintain this unity and move forward by upholding it. “As part of our effort, we want to issue an inclusive political statement with all anti-fascist political parties. We must ensure that no fascist forces or their cohorts can sow the seeds of division within us." Salahuddin said he, on behalf of the BNP, attended the meeting and engaged in discussions in response to the Chief Adviser’s call. He said they provided their suggestions and thoughts on governance and various other matters they deemed necessary. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul In response to a question, Salahuddin Ahmed said discussions took place regarding the July mass uprising declaration, and the leaders of all political parties shared their views. “We questioned whether there was actually any need for the proclamation of the July mass uprising after five and a half months. If so, the political, historical, and legal significance of the declaration must be determined. We have to be alert so that no rift is created in anti-fascist unity over this declaration,” he said. Responding to another question, Salahuddin said, "We have given various suggestions regarding the preparation of political documents." Asked whether BNP had any objections to the declaration, Salahuddin avoided the question. Earlier, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said all political parties have reached a consensus about an inclusive “July Declaration” recognising the contributions of all parties and forces that participated in the recent mass uprising. BNP’s Salahuddin to join talks with interim govt over July Declaration  Briefing reporters after the meeting, he also said a work plan would be worked out soon regarding the formation of the July Declaration based on consensus.  Dr Asif said leaders of all political parties and forces involved in the July mass uprising, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefajat-e-Islam, Ganatantra Mancha, the Anti-Discrimination Movement, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yuns at the Foreign Service Academy.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has said all political parties have reached a consensus about an inclusive “July Declaration” recognising the contributions of all parties and forces that participated in the recent mass uprising. Briefing reporters after the meeting in front of the Foreign Service Academy on Thursday, he also said a work plan would be chalked out soon regarding the formation of the July Declaration based on consensus. “A consensus has been reached on the formulation of a declaration for the July mass uprising in the meeting. Everyone agreed that such a declaration is necessary, but many suggestions have been given in this regard,” the adviser said. He said the major suggestions include ensuring everyone’s contributions are properly acknowledged in the declaration and that continuity is appropriately reflected. Besides, Dr Asif said, a suggestion has also been made to clarify the political and legal nature of the declaration. July-August uprising: Govt publishes gazette of 834 martyrs “What has been emphasised as most important is that this declaration should be formulated based on consensus through more intensive discussions among all political parties, forces, students, the masses, and their various forums  who were in favour of the July mass uprising,” the adviser said. He said the participants in the meeting also agreed that as much time as necessary should be given to prepare the declaration. “But, efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays or wastage of time. Everyone is unanimous that the declaration should be prepared on the basis of intensive discussions.” Dr Asif said everyone had expressed optimism that efforts to formulate the declaration based on consensus would be successful. “Today's meeting ended with the hope that we will be able to formulate a narrative of unbreakable unity through which we could ensure the fall of a fascist and mass-killer regime of Sheikh Hasina during the mass uprising,” the adviser said. Interim Govt to hold all-party conference over July Proclamation Thursday Replying to a question, he said almost all participants in the meeting agreed that the time needed to prepare a document based on unity and consensus should be taken. “There should be no rush and no unnecessary delays.” Asif said some leaders had proposed that a committee be formed to conduct the discussions in an organised manner to formulate the declaration. Responding to another question, the adviser said there was no division among political parties over the declaration, only differing opinions had emerged regarding the process for holding the discussions. “We welcome diverse opinions. We didn’t see any disunity among the parties… rather, it will be more conducive to stronger unity.” “We’ll actively consider everyone's opinions carefully and decide on a course of action very quickly based on their suggestions,” he said. Dr Asif said leaders of all political parties and forces involved in the July mass uprising, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefajat-e-Islam, Ganatantra Mancha, the Anti-Discrimination Movement, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yuns at the Foreign Service Academy. July mass killing trial could be completed before election: Asif Nazrul BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties joined the nearly two-hour long meeting that began around 4:20pm. Earlier, the interim government initiated the process of preparing a declaration on the July uprising, based on a national consensus.

The interim government has sat in an all-party meeting to finalise the “July Declaration” based on a “national consensus”.    BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties joined the meeting that started at 4:20 pm on Thursday at the Foreign Service Academy. Briefing media on Tuesday evening Adviser Mahfuj Alam said a document, reflecting the background and spirit of July uprising, will be drafted based on a consensus through Thursday’s meeting and it will be clear the same day when they will issue the declaration and how the government will play a role in issuing this. Reform commission urges action against police personnel linked to July-August killings  Earlier, the interim government initiated the process of preparing a declaration on the July uprising, based on a national consensus. According to the Chief Adviser’s (CA) press wing, the declaration will be adopted to solidify the unity of people forged through the July uprising, reflecting its anti-fascist spirit and the demand for state reforms. The draft will incorporate the views of all political parties and students, including those of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that spearheaded the mass uprising. Interim Govt to hold all-party conference over July Proclamation Thursday The declaration will articulate the perspective of the July uprising, the foundation of unity and the aspirations of people, the press wing noted. The government expressed optimism that the declaration will be prepared unanimously with participation from all stakeholders and subsequently presented to the nation.

Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Thursday said that the declaration of the July Revolution might not be made on January 15 as previously planned, as additional time is needed to achieve broader consensus. “We want to make it an inclusive and unified document,” he told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after a meeting of the Council of Advisers, held at the Chief Adviser's Office with CA Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Mahfuj, however, said the declaration would not face significant delays and would be made once wider agreement is reached. “There was a demand from students to announce it on January 15. Since the government wants to talk to all (stakeholders), it (timeframe) may be extended for some time. But it will not be too late,” he said. No attackers of shrines, cultural events to be spared: Adviser Mahfuj He said the government will take a decision next week when and how the declaration will be made. Mahfuj Alam said the government thinks if the declaration is made on part of the students without reaching a wider consensus, the current unity and stability may be hampered. “We want to make it an inclusive and unified document,” he said. The Adviser said the dialogue with political parties and other stakeholders of the July uprising will start next week. He said the government has taken the responsibility to formulate a document in consultation with all stakeholders of the July uprising – not only political parties but also other stakeholders. “We expect that the dialogues (with political parties and other stakeholders) will start and complete next week,” Mahfuj said. 3 committees formed to advise recruitment, transfers of senior officials He said the government will also have talks with socio-cultural organisations and teachers associations alongside the political parties. “But we cannot sit with and talk to everyone. We will talk formally and informally." The adviser asked the students to show restraint and be patient for some days. Noting that the students have already given a proposal for the declaration, he said, the government will not issue the declaration but is facilitating the declaration and its process. “The declaration will come based on everyone's consensus ---Based on the consensus of all political parties, and cultural and social organizations,” he said. “The government is not issuing any declaration on its own. Rather the proclamation will be prepared and announced based on the students' proposals and everyone's consensus,” said Mahfuj Alam. BFA plays important role in preserving country’s history: Adviser Nahid CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, deputy press secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present.