Bangladesh
Dr. Yunus Declares “July Manifesto” with 28-Point Reform Plan
At a mass gathering titled “July Reawakening” held at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on August 5, interim head of government Prof. Muhammad Yunus publicly read the much-anticipated “July Manifesto,” outlining a 28-point roadmap for national reform.
The manifesto marks the anniversary of the August 5, 2024 uprising, which the document describes as a “people’s revolution against fascism.” It calls for recognition of that uprising and designates those killed during the movement as “National Heroes.”
Dr. Yunus stated, “Overthrowing a regime is not enough — only structural reform can ensure true democracy.” He announced that the interim government, active since August 8, 2024, is committed to implementing the reforms and aims to incorporate the manifesto into a future constitution through public consensus.
The manifesto accuses the former regime under Sheikh Hasina of systemic corruption, enforced disappearances, and authoritarianism. It proposes sweeping changes, including electoral reforms, judicial independence, restoration of civil rights, voting rights for expatriates, and redefining the role of parliament.
The event was attended by numerous activists, civil society members, and supporters of the interim administration.
Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has declared that the next national elections will be held in February 2026, before Ramadan. In a televised address marking the first anniversary of the mass uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus urged citizens to commence both mental and institutional preparation starting immediately.
Yunus said, “I will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting the election be scheduled for February.” While April had been previously suggested, major political parties, particularly the BNP, had demanded an earlier timeframe. theguardian.com+15Arab News PK+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15
Describing the vote as a “festival like Eid,” Yunus appealed for widespread participation, especially from expatriate Bangladeshis, women and young voters. “Let us make the election a foundation for a ‘New Bangladesh’,” he said.
A 60 km/h storm accompanied by thunderstorms and rain is expected to affect 12 districts across Bangladesh by Wednesday (August 6) afternoon, according to the latest weather bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The storm, moving from the south or southeast direction, may disrupt activities in the affected regions. The forecast remains in effect until 1 PM and specifically applies to inland river ports.
The 12 districts under the alert are: Dhaka, Pabna, Tangail, Faridpur, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, and Chattogram.
As a precaution, the authorities have advised all river ports in these districts to hoist Cautionary Signal No. 1.
The temporary nature of the storm still poses a risk to transportation and farming, prompting local administrations and residents to stay alert.
At least seven people, including women and children, died early Wednesday (August 6) when a microbus lost control and plunged into a canal in Begumganj’s Chandraganj Purba Bazar area in Noakhali.
According to Chandraganj Highway Police Officer-in-Charge Md Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan, the vehicle was carrying an Oman expatriate and his family from Dhaka Airport to Noakhali when it veered off the road at Jagadishpur and fell into the WAPDA canal around 5:40 AM.
While some passengers managed to escape, others were trapped inside and drowned. The identities of the deceased have yet to be confirmed.
Fire Service media officer Md Talha Bin Jasim said a rescue unit from Chowmuhani Fire Station reached the spot at 6:05 AM and recovered the vehicle from the canal.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the local area as authorities continue to investigate the accident.
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