Shahbag Blocked Demanding July Charter

On Thursday, 31 July, the “July Warriors” staged a protest at Shahbag demanding the announcement and implementation of the July National Charter. Starting at 11 a.m., their blockade caused severe traffic congestion in the area, disrupting movement on surrounding roads.

The demonstrators, rallying under the July Warriors’ Council, chanted slogans reflecting their resolve: “Interim Government, Deliver the July Charter!” “Take blood if needed — the Charter’s not conceded!” “My Brother’s Blood Won’t Be Wasted!” “The Spirit of ’24 Will Not Fade!” “Abu Sayed, Mugdho not gone, the War is still on!” These slogans echoed their demand for state acknowledgment of the uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government.

Asif Hasan, a protester, addressed the crowd, stating, “Today, July ends. A year has passed, yet there’s no sign of the proclamation. The July National Charter is the state’s recognition of the July Warriors. But the interim government is unwilling to grant this. We will secure our rights.” The protesters insisted that the charter be enshrined in the constitution, vowing to remain on the streets until their demands are met. “We don’t just want promises; we want results in hand before we leave,” they declared, emphasizing their refusal to accept symbolic gestures without tangible outcomes.

The protest highlights mounting discontent with the interim government’s slow progress on the July National Charter, a document meant to outline reforms post-uprising. Despite a draft being shared with political parties on 28 July, no final version has been adopted, fueling the warriors’ call for action.