This is not just another political debate—it is a deeply sensitive national concern. The fear of fascism creeping back into our system is real and alarming. Today, we witnessed something both shocking and disheartening.
This afternoon, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the honorable Chief Adviser, presented the much-anticipated July Declaration at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. But what was expected to be a moment of truth and justice turned into a moment of silencing, exclusion, and revisionism.
Let us break down the concerns:
The deliberate omission of BNP's struggle:
A major political force like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has spent the last 15 years under intense state persecution, enduring oppression, arrests, censorship, and political violence—has been completely erased from this declaration. Their relentless movement for democracy deserved a rightful place in the document. Its absence is not a mistake—it’s a message.
The Quota Reform Movement—half-told and manipulated:
Although the Quota Reform Movement was mentioned, it was done so in a way that trivialized its significance. The masterminds, organizers, and the students who risked everything for reform have been subtly erased from the narrative. It feels like a conscious effort to devalue their contributions.
The Diaspora Movement—conveniently ignored:
As the July Movement evolved into a one-point demand, many individuals abroad played a crucial role. From the Remittance Shutdown, to organizing protests in foreign lands, to even facing jail time in exile—their sacrifices were real. Yet the declaration treats them as if they were invisible. This is a betrayal to the global voice of the movement.
Social media activists—never even mentioned:
A number of independent activists, especially those working on social media, played a massive role in sustaining the movement's momentum. They offered guidance, strategy, communication, and moral support. The declaration doesn’t even acknowledge their existence. Is this selective memory or a political choice?
Fascist crimes—glossed over or hidden:
The dark era of fascism in this country included secret prisons ("Ayna Ghor"), enforced disappearances, and targeted killings. Shockingly, these horrifying abuses find no place in the official declaration. Can we ever move forward without acknowledging such brutal truths?
So we ask:
Who truly authored this July Declaration?
Whose agenda does it serve?
Whose interests are protected—and whose are sacrificed?
This document doesn’t just rewrite history—it silences it. It replaces truth with a curated narrative that serves specific political goals, while marginalizing the real heroes of the movement.
I speak not as a politician, but as an ordinary citizen of this country.
I am deeply concerned about the direction our democracy is heading.
I am worried about the fate of the brave souls who fought for justice.
And I am anxious about the possible return of authoritarianism cloaked in reform.
Let us not allow the July Revolution to be hijacked, rebranded, or whitewashed.
Let us honor every sacrifice, every voice, and every act of courage that made this movement possible.