Bangladesh Student Federation Announces Boycott of ‘July Declaration’ Event

The Bangladesh Student Federation (BSF) has officially declared its decision to boycott the ‘July Declaration’ unveiling ceremony, scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 5 August, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. During this event, the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, is expected to read the declaration.

The announcement was made in an official statement on Monday, 4 August, by Moshiur Rahman Richard, President of the organisation’s central committee.

Reasons for Boycott

Richard detailed the federation’s rationale for the boycott, stating that although there are multiple reasons, one core grievance stands out:

“Even a year after the uprising, the government has failed to publish a comprehensive list of martyrs or ensure the proper honour and dignity of injured and martyred families.”

This failure, he argued, undermines the moral authority of the government to host such a commemorative event.

Summary of Events and Statement

Richard added:

“We see this last-minute invitation as an attempt to symbolically include different parties of the uprising. However, we have already decided organisationally to boycott the event.”

Political and Ethical Concerns

The statement sharply criticised the current government’s stance, claiming that its governance style contradicts the sacrifices and expectations of the July uprising. Richard pointed out:

• A visible disregard for the martyrs and injured
• Authoritarian behaviour, lack of transparency, and decline of democratic values
• A governance approach that has moved away from the spirit of the revolution

He stressed that:

“The July Uprising was a step towards building a democratic and accountable state. Those now walking the opposite path are effectively trying to reinstate the old oppressive order, the evidence of which is apparent throughout society.”

Appeal to Progressive Forces

Richard concluded the statement with a call to action:

“Participating in a government-organised celebration of July, in this context, would amount to betrayal of the sacrifices and democratic aspirations born of that uprising. We remain firm in our decision to boycott this programme and urge all democratic and progressive forces to join us in this symbolic act of resistance.”