Delivered by Interim Government Chief Advisor Prof. Muhammad Yunus on August 5, 2025, at Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka.

On the anniversary of the historic July Uprising, the Interim Government presents this declaration as a formal recognition of the events of July 2024 and the people’s collective aspiration for a just, democratic, and accountable governance system.

Preamble

1. Over decades, the people of this land have fought against oppression—first against colonial powers, then against West Pakistani rulers, culminating in the war of independence in 1971. That struggle birthed a sovereign nation, founded on equality, human dignity, and social justice.

2. Despite this vision, the post-independence government failed to uphold democratic values, instead eroding institutions and suppressing dissent.

3. The imposition of one-party rule through the BAKSAL system in 1975 further betrayed the spirit of liberation, sparking popular resistance that eventually revived multiparty democracy.

4. The mass uprising of 1990 restored parliamentary governance after nearly a decade of military rule. However, subsequent decades saw increasing political centralization and democratic backsliding.

5. A turning point came with the rise of authoritarianism under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership following the controversial events of 1/11. Over 16 years, her administration weakened constitutional safeguards, altered the electoral process, and established near-total dominance through undemocratic means.

6. State institutions were hollowed out. Human rights violations—including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of free speech—became systemic.

7. Rampant corruption, financial plunder, and destruction of economic institutions occurred under the guise of development, endangering Bangladesh’s future and global image.

8. The youth, students, and general population—long subjected to injustice, unemployment, and repression—organized sustained resistance movements demanding change.

9. Massive anti-quota and anti-corruption student protests were met with brutal crackdowns, but instead of silencing dissent, these fueled nationwide unrest.

10. In the face of overwhelming public outrage, and with sections of the armed forces siding with the people’s demands, the Hasina-led government collapsed on August 5, 2024, with the former leader fleeing the country amid unprecedented public mobilization.

Declaration Objectives

11. The people’s uprising of July 2024 is recognized as a legitimate and constitutionally justified expression of popular sovereignty.

12. The Twelfth Parliament, lacking legal and democratic legitimacy, was dissolved. An interim government was formed under Article 106 of the Constitution, following Supreme Court guidance.

13. The nation reaffirms its commitment to reforming the state through inclusive democratic practices, accountability, and good governance.

14. A nationwide demand for justice has emerged. Crimes committed during the authoritarian period—including killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and corruption—must be investigated and prosecuted without delay.

15. All martyrs of the July Uprising shall be officially honored as national heroes. Survivors and affected families shall receive legal and social protections.

16. The people commit to holding free, fair, and participatory elections to form a representative parliament. This will be tasked with enacting necessary constitutional reforms to uphold human rights, the rule of law, and build a just society free from discrimination, corruption, and authoritarianism.

17. The future development of Bangladesh must be environmentally sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with intergenerational equity.

18. The July 2024 Uprising must be granted full constitutional and state recognition. This declaration will be annexed to the reformed constitution under the next elected government.