DU Correspondent: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir on Monday announced a 36-day nationwide programme to commemorate the second anniversary of the July Uprising under the theme, "The Pledge of July: Rebuilding a Just Bangladesh."

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Madhur Canteen of the University of Dhaka at around 11:30 am. The event was chaired by the organisation`s Secretary General, Sibghatullah, while Central President Nurul Islam delivered the written statement outlining the programme.

Among others present were Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, Media Secretary Mu`tasim Billah Shahedi, Publications Secretary Amirul Islam, Publicity Secretary and DUCSU General Secretary SM Forhad, along with other central leaders.

In his statement, Nurul Islam paid tribute to the martyrs of the July-August 2024 uprising, including Abu Sayeed, Ali Raihan, Mugdha, Wasim, Shanto and Sharif Osman Hadi, as well as all those who were injured or participated in the movement. He urged the government to ensure the swift trial and punishment of those responsible for the killings.

The student organisation also strongly criticised the current government, alleging that it had ignored the "July National Charter" and the public mandate expressed through a referendum despite political consensus. The organisation further claimed that individuals associated with the previous "fascist" administration were being reinstated in public administration and alleged that the repeal of an ordinance aimed at ensuring judicial independence had undermined the autonomy of the judiciary.

Highlighting what it described as growing economic and social instability, Nurul Islam alleged that 59 per cent of the current members of parliament were loan defaulters, warning that such a situation could put the country`s economy at serious risk. Citing data from Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and the police, he also claimed that 915 murders and 209 rape incidents had occurred during the government`s first 100 days in office, reflecting a deteriorating law and order situation.

Expressing concern over the situation in educational institutions, the Shibir president said one of the key aspirations of the July Uprising had been to establish violence-free campuses. However, he alleged that activists of the ruling party`s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, were once again engaging in violence against students, teachers and Shibir activists at universities, colleges and polytechnic institutes across the country.

To commemorate the anniversary and promote what it described as the ideals of the July Uprising, the organisation announced a series of programmes to be observed over 36 days. These include nationwide protest rallies under the banner "Indomitable July" demanding the implementation of the July Charter and justice for the victims of the uprising, publication of books and research works on the movement, exhibitions titled "July Awakening Through Children`s Eyes," documentary competitions, seminars, symposiums, research conferences, prayer meetings, photography and documentary exhibitions, cultural programmes, essay and debate competitions, establishment of libraries in the names of martyrs, sports competitions, interviews and podcasts featuring martyrs` families and injured participants, visits to martyrs` graves, graffiti campaigns and a 36-day online campaign titled "Echoes of July."

According to the organisation, the programmes will be implemented across universities, metropolitan areas and district branches nationwide with the aim of preserving the spirit of the July Uprising and introducing its ideals to the younger generation.

The press conference concluded with a call for national unity to safeguard the achievements of the uprising and build what the organisation described as a discrimination-free Bangladesh. The student organisation also sought cooperation from its members, students and the general public to ensure the successful implementation of the month-long programme.