Mass protests in Bangladesh against Israeli attacks on Gaza
Demonstrations broke out across Bangladesh, including Dhaka city, on Monday protesting against Israeli actions in Gaza. Different organisations spanning political, social, cultural, religious and professional spheres took to Dhaka’s streets in protest.
The demonstrations form part of worldwide protests against attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, according to organisers. Students have stayed away from classes and examinations to join the protests.
Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of interim government in Bangladesh, said in a statement on X, “The Government of Bangladesh expresses its strongest condemnation of the Israeli Occupying Forces’ continued mass killing and gross violations of human rights in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s ongoing military attacks since last month’s unilateral breach of the ceasefire have killed scores of Palestinians, mostly women and children as well as blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza leading to a human catastrophe. Evidently, Israel has shown no regard to repeated international appeals and has instead engaged in an increasingly intense killing spree.”
Workers and professionals went on strike with organisers asking people to stop buying Israeli products.
“We support humanity first of all. The things that Israel has been doing to Palestine to remove their identity from the world are brutally bad. As a human, if I don’t support Palestine right now, my humanity will be lost,” stated a Dhaka University student participant.
Protesters voiced strong opposition to American support for Israel’s Gaza offensive, whilst criticising the inaction of bodies like the UN, OIC and Arab League.
Responding about American involvement, she said, “They have been doing this for power, nothing else. If they had humanity in their hearts, they would not be doing this to the people right now. We are demanding to stop the genocide and to stop the killing of people.”
Palestinian flags, solidarity placards, and setting fire to Netanyahu’s effigy were all part of the Bangladeshi protest.
The USA faces criticism over Trump’s suggested forced Palestinian relocation for Gaza’s reconstruction. Arab countries reject this plan, whilst human rights groups term it ethnic cleansing. Protesters also opposed American suppression of pro-Palestinian activities at universities, Al Jazeera reports.
57 people died and 137 were wounded in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza authorities. Since March 18, Israeli attacks have caused 1,391 deaths and 3,434 injuries. Total casualties since October 7, 2023, have reached 50,752 and 115,475 injuries, according to Al Jazeera.
