Political parties have urged the interim government to establish a committee to draft the July Uprising Proclamation through consensus and extensive discussions with all anti-fascist forces.

At a meeting held on Thursday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus engaged with political leaders to address the proclamation’s formulation. The leaders suggested that the government decide whether the document should be a proclamation or declaration and clarify its legal significance, based on mutual agreement.

Representatives from most pro-uprising political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jaamat-e-Islami, Ganatantra Mancha, and Nagorik Committee, attended. However, 14 parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, abstained, citing inadequate preparation time and issues with the invitation process.

Professor Yunus emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “This government was born from unity, and unity remains our strength. When we come together, we are stronger.” He recounted discussions with student leaders about the proclamation and advised them to involve all stakeholders from the uprising in its preparation.

The meeting concluded without a final decision but agreed to continue discussions. BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed questioned the need for a proclamation five months post-uprising, stressing the importance of assessing its political, historical, and legal implications. Similarly, Jaamat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Ganosamhati Andolan’s Zonayed Saki highlighted the need for inclusive consultations and a consensus-driven approach.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that further meetings would take place, and a committee would likely be formed to advance the proclamation. He emphasized that the declaration should represent collective ownership and contributions from all parties, with no unnecessary delays.

The initiative follows earlier student demands for a proclamation by January 15, which led the government to commit to a consensus-driven process. The student leaders subsequently shifted their planned December 31 proclamation announcement to a “March for Unity” event.

Further discussions and steps are expected to ensure the proclamation reflects the spirit of the July Uprising and the aspirations of all involved parties.