Activist Asad Noor has presented an in-depth analysis of the July Declaration, announced by Muhammad Yunus on August 5, in his popular YouTube show, Ishtehar Thoughcast, aired on Thursday.
He discussed why the declaration is a biased document in the eyes of UK-based journalist David Bergman, who is better known as an Awami League critic, Jamaat aide, and supporter of the bloody movement that toppled the Awami League government last year.
The discussion highlights possible reasons behind the August coup, the role of Dr. Yunus, the complex narrative of usurping power, intrigue, and attempts at impunity.
The video presents a detailed analysis and critique of the unprecedented political upheaval in Bangladesh during July-August 2024. Unlike previous movements and coups that did not require formal charters or national documents, this recent uprising has introduced a controversial declaration aimed at legitimising the movement and its leaders.
Asad Noor explores the complexities behind the uprising, emphasising that it is losing public support despite claims of widespread voter opposition to the ruling Awami League. This loss of support is attributed not only to political divides but also to the dark, conspiratorial history of Bangladeshโs politics, where violence, manipulation, and betrayal have been common.
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He said that the leadership of the uprising itself appears conflicted and burdened by guilt and confusion, particularly after violent incidents such as the March to Gopalganj by Yunusโ National Citizen Party (NCP).
This has led to public doubts about the movement’s legitimacy and intentions. Accusations of foreign involvement, including US funding and connections with extremist groups, are highlighted, alongside detailed accounts of violence, deaths, and destruction caused during the protests.
The sacrifices of those killed during last yearโs anarchy are questioned in terms of their purpose and justification, with speculation on whether the movementโs true goals relate to personal or political gains rather than national welfare.
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The July Declaration intends to be appended to the national constitution to recognise the uprising as a legitimate political force and to grant immunity to its participants. The declaration is condemned for its partisan nature, historical distortions, and omissions, most notably the erasure of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahmanโs name and the downplaying of the Liberation War and subsequent tragic events such as the August 15 coup.
The video extensively cites British journalist David Bergman. He harshly criticised the declaration as politically motivated, historically inaccurate, and an attempt to rewrite national history to suit a particular narrative.
Further, the declarationโs language and intent are seen as self-serving, focusing more on protecting the movementโs leaders from accountability rather than reflecting the peopleโs aspirations or the countryโs democratic ideals.
The declaration has set a dangerous precedent, David Bergman said, warning that incorporating such a biased document into the constitution would tarnish Bangladeshโs political legacy and alienate significant portions of the population.
The British journalist said that the declarationโs failure to acknowledge the positive achievements of the Awami League government from 2009 to 2024, instead opting for a narrative steeped in victimisation and grievance.
A divisive historical revisionism
The video provides a comprehensive critique of the 2024 Bangladesh political uprising, arguing that while it represents a significant political event, it is fraught with internal contradictions, questionable motives, and divisive historical revisionism.
The July Declaration, intended as a legitimising document, instead deepens political polarisation and threatens democratic values by privileging partisan narratives and seeking legal immunity for violent actors.
The involvement of foreign interests and the disillusionment of respected figures further complicate the movementโs legitimacy. Ultimately, the transcript calls for genuine democratic engagement, historical honesty, and adherence to the rule of law to ensure Bangladeshโs political stability and national unity.
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