From Dhaka to districts: Bangladesh stops for Gaza
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh witnessed a wave of nationwide protests on Monday as people from all walks of life, including students, political activists, and religious groups, joined a general strike in solidarity with Gaza. The demonstrations, largely peaceful but widespread, condemned Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Palestine and called for an immediate ceasefire.
From early morning, protesters took to the streets in major cities and towns, including Dhaka, carrying Palestinian flags and placards demanding an end to the Israeli occupation. Large numbers of students, particularly from private and public universities, participated in the protests, which included rallies, human chains, sit-ins, and marches.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, describing the assaults as “mass killings” and “grave violations of human rights.” The statement accused Israeli forces of targeting civilians-particularly women and children-and blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Bangladesh called on Israel to immediately halt its military operations and abide by international humanitarian law. It also urged the United Nations and the global community to enforce an unconditional ceasefire and ensure the safe passage of relief aid.
The government reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In Dhaka, one of the largest protest sites was the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, where political leaders and thousands of worshippers gathered.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Free Free Palestine” and “Down with Israeli aggression.” The rally was organised by the National Council of Ulama, Mashayekh, and Imams, and featured strong speeches condemning the attacks.
Parallel demonstrations were held at Dhaka University and other educational institutions, where classes and exams were suspended for the day in protest. Students gathered at key landmarks like the Raju Sculpture, Shaheed Minar, and Shahbagh under the banner of the global ‘No Work, No School’ campaign.
They condemned the violence and urged international courts to prosecute those responsible for war crimes.
Many protesters voiced frustration over global inaction. “We may not be able to physically help them, but protesting is our duty,” said one student.
Another added, “Muslim nations must unite, cut ties with Israel, and boycott its products to bring its economy to its knees.”
Outside the US Embassy in Dhaka, demonstrators, including students, held a protest that briefly disrupted traffic.
Army personnel formed a security barrier in front of the embassy, and police maintained a visible presence to manage the crowd. Protesters called on the US to cease its support for Israeli military actions.
Social media also saw expressions of solidarity. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan posted on Facebook: “Where children’s cries are silenced with bullets, silence is not an option-protest is the language of humanity.”
The US Embassy in Dhaka issued a travel advisory to its citizens, warning of planned demonstrations and urging caution.
Protests were not confined to the capital. Demonstrations took place across the country, including in Rajshahi, Chattogram, Mymensingh, and more than 20 other districts. Educational institutions such as Jahangirnagar University, BRAC University, North South University, and others also suspended academic activities in solidarity with Gaza.
As protests continue, Bangladesh has positioned itself firmly in support of the Palestinian cause, calling for immediate international intervention, an end to violence, and justice for the victims in Gaza.
Similar protests were reported across educational institutions and universities including Rajshahi University, Chattogram University, and Bangladesh Agricultural University. Demonstrations also took place in districts such as Nilphamari, Natore, Rangamati, Barishal, Thakurgaon, Patuakhali, Narayanganj, Sherpur, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Noakhali, Bhola, Narsingdi, Lakshmipur, Gaibandha, Naogaon, Kushtia, Joypurhat, Bagerhat, Narail, Shariatpur, and Mymensingh.