BNP and others question the students' declaration, while Jamaat welcomes it

BNP and several other political parties have raised concerns over the Students Against Discrimination's decision to proclaim what they are calling the "July Revolution," while Jamaat has expressed support for the move. BNP sources indicate that their leaders fear this announcement could delay the upcoming election and question why the students are making such a declaration five months after the uprising. The BNP is advocating for an early election, believing that only an elected government can effectively govern the country.

Leaders of Ganosamhati Andolon and Gono Odhikar Parishad argue that the Students Against Discrimination is attempting to claim sole credit for the removal of Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the student group, declared yesterday that the Mujibbadi constitution of 1972 must be discarded through the Proclamation of the July Revolution.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh has stated that the people will not accept any attempt to abandon the constitution. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, however, reminded the students that the 1972 constitution was the result of the sacrifices of 30 lakh martyrs. "As your elders, we are disappointed by your call to bury the constitution. If there are issues with it, they should be addressed through amendments," he said at an event. He cautioned the student leaders, warning that their remarks could sound fascist, drawing parallels with the rhetoric of fascist regimes that called for the destruction of institutions.

A BNP central committee member, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about the suddenness of the students' initiative. They suggested that the move could be intended to delay the election and emphasized that BNP seeks a logical timeframe for reforms by the interim government, not an indefinite delay.

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince highlighted the historical significance of the 1972 constitution, linking it to the country's long struggle for independence. He argued that those calling for the repeal of the constitution are rejecting the legacy of the Liberation War.

Jamaat spokesperson Motiur Rahman Akanda welcomed the Students Against Discrimination's declaration, calling it a valid expression of their role in leading the mass uprising against the "fascist" Awami League government. He stated that Jamaat would wait to review the contents of the proclamation before issuing a formal response but expressed no objections to the students' right to make such a declaration.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan criticized the students for making the decision without consulting political parties and other stakeholders, calling it a "whimsical" move. He also questioned the timing of the proclamation, suggesting it should have been made earlier, as many political parties and organizations had contributed to the movement, not just the students.

An anonymous leader of Ganosamhati Andolon speculated that the students' actions were driven by political motivations.