Fifth clause of July Charter amended

Bangla Press Desk:  The National Consensus Commission has amended the fifth clause of the July Charter amidst widespread anger and protests of “July fighters”.

The revised clause now has declared, “We will ensure the prosecution of those responsible for enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the 16-year anti-Awami fascist democratic struggle preceding the people’s uprising in Bangladesh, as well as all killings committed during the July-August 2024 people’s uprising by certain members of the fascist Awami League and its allied law enforcement agencies.

“We will provide state recognition to the martyrs, extend appropriate support to the martyrs’ families and the injured participants of the July movement – including monthly allowances, proper medical care, and rehabilitation – and guarantee legal immunity, protection of fundamental rights, and security for the families of martyrs and injured heroic fighters.”  

The National Consensus Commission announced the amendment to the fifth clause of the Charter’s pledge in a press release issued on Friday afternoon.

Previously, the clause mentioned, “We will ensure the prosecution of those responsible for enforced disappearances, killings, and torture during the 16-year anti-fascist democratic struggle preceding the people’s uprising, as well as for all killings committed during the July-August 2024 people’s uprising. We will grant state recognition to the martyrs, provide appropriate support to the families of the martyrs, and ensure proper medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.”

Earlier, while addressing a gathering of protesters rallying under the banner of “July Fighters” at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Thursday, National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Prof Ali Riaz said that Clause 5 of the July National Charter 2025 has been amended to reflect the demands of the “July Fighters”, who played an active role in last year’s mass uprising.

He said the amendment came after extensive discussions with “July Fighters” and consultations with various political parties.

“Through this revision, we have reflected the key demands of the July Fighters and made the necessary urgent corrections to the commitments in the charter,” Prof Riaz added.

BP/SP