BD Schools, Universities Close in Solidarity with Palestinians

On Sunday, several prominent universities including Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh, BRAC University, and East West University, among others, officially declared that all academic activities would be suspended for the day. This move was in protest against the indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Gaza.

The decision came in response to a global strike called "The World Stops for Gaza: No Work, No School Until the Genocide Stops," scheduled for April 7, 2025. In solidarity with this initiative, Dhaka University students announced that they would halt all academic activities on Monday. The university authorities issued a notice confirming that both classes and examinations would be suspended for the day, while university offices would remain closed from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Similarly, Jahangirnagar University declared a complete work stoppage from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and suspended all academic activities for the day. Rajshahi University students organized a rally in front of the university's Senate Building on Paris Road from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza.

In various districts, including Cumilla, Pirojpur, and Barishal, many schools and colleges remained closed, though not all institutions issued formal announcements. Students took to the streets, boycotting classes and exams, and participating in demonstrations to voice their solidarity with Palestinians.

This nationwide movement underscores the growing global awareness and condemnation of the ongoing violence, with educational institutions across Bangladesh joining the international call for justice and peace for Gaza.