Describing the reduction of the martyr count by one-third in the July Declaration as a betrayal of their blood, Professor M A Barnik,

president of the Knowledge-Based Social Movement, stated:

The July 2024 mass uprising is one of the most unforgettable chapters in Bangladesh’s glorious democratic awakening. It was an epic struggle of sacrifice, bravery, and the people’s demand for democratic rights—every page soaked in the blood of martyrs. Yet with deep sorrow and astonishment, we observe that in the recently published July Declaration, Dr. Muhammad Yunus has deliberately reduced the official martyr count by one-third, an act that dishonors the nation.

In Clause 17 of the Declaration, the number of martyrs is stated as “approximately one thousand,” which directly contradicts the United Nations report, which identifies around 1,500 martyrs through internationally recognized investigations. The question must be asked—if the UN, through reliable inquiry, recognizes 1,500 martyrs, how could the Chief Adviser dare to erase nearly a third of them from the historical record?

This is no mere oversight—it is a calculated conspiracy against history. Denying the sacrifice of over five hundred martyrs is a blatant act of disrespect and a threat to the moral foundations of our nation’s future. The Declaration, which is being proposed as a constitutional document of national history, loses all legitimacy if it distorts the martyr count—this amounts to treachery against their blood.

Perhaps Dr. Yunus is attempting to maintain political balance, or he may be under pressure from certain quarters—but the blood of martyrs is not a matter of political negotiation. Martyrs are not a gift from anyone; they are the guardians of the nation. Hiding their numbers is an unforgivable crime.

We state unequivocally:
👉 This distortion must be corrected immediately.
👉 If not, the nation will reject this Declaration.
👉 The blood of martyrs cannot be erased by ink—it is the immovable witness of history.
👉 We demand the publication of a complete and internationally verified list of martyrs, and its inclusion in the Constitution.

In this country, the supreme measure of leadership and moral authority lies in honoring the sacrifice of martyrs. No one can lead, or claim to uphold ethics, while disregarding that standard. Those who sit in power today—standing on the blood of martyrs—must not conceal their numbers but must protect their honor and legacy.

Victory to the martyrs.
Victory to the true history.