The July Declaration

5^th August, 2025

Sr. Prof. Syed Ahsanul Alam Parvez

University of Chitttagong and Geo-political Economist

The July Declaration is a 28-point political proclamation announced by interim Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on 5 August 2025, coinciding with the first anniversary of the July 2024 uprising that toppled the Awami League regime. It aims to grant formal constitutional and state recognition to the student-led uprising—declaring its martyrs as “national heroes” and safeguarding participants through legal protections.  It explicitly condemns the one-party BAKSAL era and frames the “1/11” 2007 events as a “conspiratorial disruption”.

Demands trials for enforced disappearances, mass killings, corruption, and other human rights abuses under the previous regime. If political consensus is reached, the Declaration is set to be integrated into a future reformed constitution by the government elected after reform implementation. This statement is ambiguous; students & NCP must raise a question as to how Dr Yunus is confident that future reformed constitution by future govt will integrate the July declaration.

July declaration may close a chapter in Bangladesh’s struggle by formally recognizing the uprising as pivotal to democratic renewal. It lays the groundwork for political and institutional reforms, echoing demands for free and fair elections and judicial revamps. Major party, including BNP, have supported it. I assume some other big parties along with some small one will not be happy with this proclamation.

UK-based journalist David Bergman has strongly criticized the ‘July Declaration’ issued by Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government.  He described it as a political antagonism, saying that it reads like “a political statement written by long-time opponents and critics of the Awami League.” In fact, Dr. Yunus wasted too much time to historical perspective rather depicting a future roadmap of reconstructing Bangladesh for the Youths, Students, Middleclass and Poor class citizen.

Without legal codification, critics fear the Declaration may remain symbolic and fail to deliver actionable change. The Awami League is banned from the upcoming elections and may view this as punitive political consolidation; further fears of Islamists gaining strength in this vacuum may even mount further.

• Momentum vs. Mandate: Aims to harness public sentiment—but lacks legal safeguards unless formally enshrined.
• Region-wide impact: Seen as Bangladesh’s symbolic “Second Republic,” underscoring generational aspirations (Gen-Z leadership, equity, meritocracy)

SO, July Declaration is an important symbolic milestone, reflecting popular aspirations for democracy, justice, and a break from autocracy. Its transformative effect now hinges on whether it is integrated into constitutional law, backed by reforms via the July Charter, and upheld by political consensus and transparent institutions. The real test lies in whether it empowers civil society across lines—especially women and marginalized communities—and whether it safeguards against future authoritarian backslides.

The July declaration announced by Prof. Yunus will be hailed by many but shall illicit wide criticism as well. As a student of Geo-political economy, I find it more rationale to comment on some points of The July Declaration: –

1. Dr. Yunus: Since the 1972 Constitution was altered by anti-democratic and conspiratorial elements of the ruling Awami League, thereby undermining the people’s aspirations and institutionalizing one-party authoritarianism;

Prof. Parvez: CA of IGB did not make it vivid clear how he will ensure such centralization if power would not repeat again;

1. Dr. Yunus: Since the Awami League later amended the Constitution and forcibly imposed one-party rule through BAKSAL, repressing dissent and denying fundamental political freedoms;

Prof. Parvez: He again remained silent how his IGB would put a road block to dictatorial amends of constitution.

• Dr. Yunus: Since the 1/11 military-backed emergency of 2007 further derailed democracy and enabled Sheikh Hasina’s consolidation of authoritarian and dynastic power;

Prof. Parvez: But he kept silent about question as to what is the power base of his IGB;

1. Dr. Yunus: Since her government perpetuated systemic corruption, bank looting, economic mismanagement, and suppressed economic potential through oppression and predatory governance;

Prof. Parvez: I may raise the question whether he could counter corruption. There is wide spread allegation that most govt organ engaged in corruption manifold more than the past regime. Further more there are serious allegation that even member of this advisory panel did deep in corruption and corrupt practices;

1. Dr. Yunus: Since this movement represented a legitimate and sovereign democratic revolution and must be recognized as such both politically and legally;

Prof. Parvez: Unfortunately, he did not mention the instrument how his wishful desire of political and legal recognition to his declaration may be executed;

1. Dr. Yunus: Since sustainable electoral reform, economic justice, and institutional accountability must now be constitutionally safeguarded through systemic restructuring;

Prof. Parvez: IN this case also he did not mention what is the current status of our constitution – 72 and how another constitution may be given birth without an assembly.

• Yunus: Since the Constitution must be amended through a people-elected government to establish justice, equity, anti-corruption measures, social welfare, and participatory democracy for future generations;

Prof. Parvez: This statement made by Prof. Yunus bring fear in us whether it is his day dream that next elected govt which may be a coalition type or single majority with around 155-165 seats or even a hanged parliament can deliver a the golden egg as Dr. Yunus is dreaming;

• Yunus: Since the state and Constitution must formally recognize the July 2024 uprising and its role in reestablishing democratic sovereignty;

Prof. Parvez: Unfortunately, he did not utter anything how his IGB will confirm that the state or future constitution will formally recognize July Declaration

The Declaration captures the emotional and symbolic heft of the July 2024 uprising. But without legal anchoring and inclusive reform, it might risk becoming a ceremonial gesture rather than a catalyst for lasting transformation. The upcoming constitutional process and political reconciliation will determine whether it evolves from powerful rhetoric into substantive change.