Democratic Rights Committee presents 13 proposals to restore stability, resolve crisis

The Democratic Rights Committee presented 13 proposals on Saturday morning aimed at restoring stability in the country and resolving the ongoing crisis.

These proposals were discussed at a meeting titled “Two Months of the Interim Government: Review, Proposals, and Discussion,” organised by the committee at the Natmandal Auditorium of Dhaka University.

The meeting, chaired by former Jahangirnagar University Professor Anu Muhammad, was moderated by Salman Siddiqui, President of the Socialist Student Front. Researcher Maha Mirza presented the proposals on behalf of the committee.

Mirza called for the publication of the list of those injured and killed in the July uprising, for the government to take responsibility for their families, to hold the perpetrators accountable, and to withdraw false cases.

Other demands include drafting a democratic constitution through a constitutional commission based on public opinion; taking immediate measures to stop mob violence, killings, and attacks on religious establishments such as temples, shrines, mosques, and homes; repealing repressive laws, including the Cyber Security Act, the Special Powers Act of 1974, and the Workers' Services Bill, as well as laws that restrict freedom of expression; and implementing measures to reduce the prices of essential commodities such as food, gas, electricity, and fuel.

Additionally, the committee proposed announcing a national minimum wage for industrial workers, ensuring justice for murdered workers, compelling employers to meet all legitimate demands, including unpaid wages, and fulfilling the promise not to renew rental and quick rental contracts. They also called for the formation of a commission to ensure a farmer-friendly agricultural system and to ensure equal inheritance rights for women.

At the meeting, former Jahangirnagar University Professor Anu Muhammad remarked that while 13 demands may seem like a lot, they are not too many to be asked if the government focuses on the people.

“The government already has multiple ministries to address these issues,” he said.

Regarding the delay in compiling the list of the injured and deceased, he questioned why it was taking so long despite the government having so many resources.

He stressed that the government should take full responsibility for the families of the deceased rather than just offering a token sum of money as compensation.

Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), said, “Social and political liberation will not be attained unless economic inequality is eliminated, and workers are given their rightful wages.”

Associate Professor of Sociology at Dhaka University Samina Luthfa; Sufi philosopher Kazi Jaber Ahmad; President of the Greater Chittagong Hill Tracts Hill Student’s Council Angkon Chakma; filmmaker Akram Khan; and Saiful Islam, a representative of garment workers, among others, spoke at the event.

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