Palestine solidarity rallies held at Bangladesh Varsities

Palestine solidarity rally held on Dhaka University campus on Tuesday.

Dhaka, May 6 - As student protests advocating for Palestinian statehood gain momentum worldwide, universities in Bangladesh today saw the largest solidarity rallies. 

Organized by the Bangladesh Students’ League (BSL), the event marked a significant moment of support against the brutalities by Israeli forces. 

The rallies, simultaneously held on various campuses after 11 am, saw the national flags of Bangladesh and Palestine being raised in unity. The event attracted thousands of students, showcasing the overwhelming support for BSL's initiative. 

At Dhaka University, the solidarity event centered around the Raju Sculpture, where BSL central unit president and general secretary delivered speeches. Students across the campus carried placards and banners with messages such as "Free Palestine, stop the genocide," amplifying their call for action. 

The rally at Dhaka University commenced with the anthem of Palestine, leading into a series of songs symbolizing the Palestinian freedom struggle. BSL General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan conducted the event, which featured speeches from leaders of various BSL units and Palestinian students. 

BSL President Saddam Hussain took the stage to implore student leaders, activists, and the student body to support oppressed communities worldwide, emphasizing the plight of those in Gaza. He highlighted the international nature of the movement, stating, "This movement has transcended national borders, uniting diverse languages, cultures, and races in a collective demand for a peaceful world." 

Palestinian student Issaq Nomura, studying in Bangladesh, expressed his gratitude toward the Bangladeshi students for their unwavering support. With a poignant tone, he detailed the relentless oppression faced by the Palestinians for the past 75 years, accusing Israeli forces of committing genocidal acts and various human rights abuses against innocent civilians. "We remember the three hundred thousand Palestinian students in Gaza who are barred from their educational pursuits by the brutal tactics of the Israeli occupation forces," Nomura added, reflecting on the global wave of student-led movements inspired by Columbia University. 

BSL President Hussain condemned the support Israel receives from certain countries, which he claimed fuels the conflict through arms and financial aid. "The fire of protest ignites in nations backing Israel with weapons and financial assistance used to perpetrate violence in Gaza," he stated emphatically. 

In a resonant conclusion, Hussain drew parallels between the historic and ongoing struggles for freedom, referencing Bangladesh's own experiences in 1971. "We understand the profound costs of genocide and the unyielding desire for freedom that drives people to stand against oppression," he declared, calling for international justice against Israel and its allies as war criminals. 

The events were not confined to the capital. Major educational institutions like Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, Cumilla University, Rajshahi University, and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, along with Shah Azizul Haque College in Bogura and Mymensingh’s Agricultural University, also witnessed significant turnouts. 

The rallies were live-streamed by major media outlets, attracting nationwide attention and support. This media coverage helped spread the word and garner applause from various quarters. 

Echoing the words of Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, "The world is divided into two camps, the oppressed and the oppressors. I am with the oppressed,” BSL reaffirmed its commitment to justice. 

This sentiment was further emphasized in a media release that drew historical parallels between the current situation in Palestine and the genocide during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. 

The statement also highlighted the continued support for Palestinian independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reaffirming Bangladesh's long-standing policy towards global peace and solidarity against human rights violations. The initiative by BSL underscores a broader movement advocating for peace and justice for Palestinian civilians, aligning with global efforts to end ongoing atrocities and massacres. - UNB