The Centre for Bengal Studies held a discussion titled “Aspirations of the July Uprising: Justice, Reform and Reconstruction” at Dhaka University’s R. C. Majumdar Auditorium on July 25. The 4pm event featured former Jahangirnagar University department chair Professor Dilara Chowdhury, former International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam, academic Shahnewaz Khan Chandan, and constitutional reform commission member Barrister Imran Abdullah Siddiq.

In his welcome remarks, CBS executive director Rashidul Haque Timur called for accountability for genocide and crimes by what he described as Awami fascists before pursuing reform and reconstruction. Chowdhury stressed transitional justice, arguing that denial of justice can foster a culture of impunity and mob violence. She also criticised the 1972 constitution and referred to dissent over proposals on balancing state power in the July Charter.

Tajul Islam urged acceptance of the July Charter’s reform proposals and said any consideration of Awami League rehabilitation should follow accountability through a truth commission. Chandan raised allegations from his investigation into the BDR killings and called for justice. Siddiq said constitutional reform sought decentralisation of power so that it would not remain concentrated in one person or group.