Hannan Masud boycotts July Declaration ceremony

Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has announced his decision to boycott the upcoming July Declaration Ceremony, citing the exclusion of key leaders and lack of recognition for the martyrs and their families.

In a Facebook post published on Monday night, Masud criticized the government for failing to invite the full 158-member coordinating body of the July uprising, describing them as the legitimate representatives of the movement.

“I received an invitation card for the July Declaration Ceremony. However, I have heard that the government could not invite the 158 coordinators and co-coordinators of the uprising. While some seats may be arranged, there will be no space for all 158 members,” Masud wrote.

He expressed concern over whether families of the martyrs will be given due recognition and seating at the event, adding, “Those who led the uprising with courage and sacrifice now seem to have been rendered insignificant within less than a year.”

Masud further stated that unless the contributions of the martyrs’ families and his fellow activists who fearlessly led the movement are properly honored, he will personally boycott the ceremony.

The July Declaration is scheduled to be unveiled today at Manik Mia Avenue by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The event will be attended by representatives from all factions involved in the mass uprising, marking the first anniversary of the movement.

The declaration is expected to provide a detailed account of the background of the July uprising, linking it to Bangladesh’s Liberation War and other democratic struggles. It will also demand justice for enforced disappearances, killings, and oppression under the current Awami League government, and call for reforms towards a society free of exploitation and discrimination.