DHAKA, Bangladesh –
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Bangladesh’s capital on Friday in one of the country’s largest pro-Palestinian rallies in recent times. The mass protest was a vocal condemnation of Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, which have triggered widespread international criticism. The event was place at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, in the centre of the Dhaka University region, and was attended by an estimated 100,000 people.
Location and size of the protest
The protest, held near Suhrawardy Udyan, a site traditionally associated with political activities in Bangladesh, drew a large crowd of individuals from all walks of life, including students, political activists, and religious figures. The vast majority of visitors carried Palestinian flags, sloganed banners, and donned symbolic apparel in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
As the rally advanced, chants of “Free, Free Palestine,” and “Stop the Genocide in Gaza” rang through the air. Demonstrators waved flags and carried placards calling for an immediate end to Israeli bombings and military activities in the Gaza Strip.
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Bangladesh’s official policy regarding Palestine
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country with a population of over 170 million, has long been a loud supporter of Palestinian statehood. The government has no diplomatic relations with Israel and does not allow locals to travel there. Over the years, successive governments have consistently supported a two-state solution while condemning Israeli settlement development and military action.
Symbolic Effigies and Anti-Israel sentiment
The protest’s usage of symbolic symbols was particularly noteworthy. Demonstrators held effigies of global political leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.These effigies were later beaten with sticks or burned, a common form of protest in South Asia.
The protesters accused these leaders of either supporting or remaining silent on what they described as Israeli aggression and human rights violations in Gaza. Many demonstrators held placards reading, “Trump and Netanyahu – Partners in War Crimes,” and “Modi Silent, Palestinians Die.”
Some organisations also carried symbolic coffins and blood-stained shrouds to honour Palestinian victims, particularly women and children, who have died in the continuing violence.
Political and religious groups together
The protest featured an extraordinary level of solidarity across Bangladesh’s political groupings, particularly the mainstream opposition and Islamist parties. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has openly supported the demonstration and its purpose. BNP leaders issued statements condemning Israeli actions and calling for increased international participation to protect Palestinian rights.
Several Islamist groups and parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and other smaller religious organisations, marched alongside the BNP. These groups stressed Islamic solidarity while condemning the international community’s failure to prevent atrocities against Muslims in Palestine.
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Related updates from the region and beyond
The rally in Dhaka coincided with a number of significant occurrences concerning the ongoing conflict:
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, published a propaganda video claiming to depict Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier being held captive. The clip, which appears heavily manipulated and stylised, is extensively shared on social media platforms, increasing concerns about the hostages’ safety.
Iranian Foreign Minister on Nuclear Deal:
Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that the United States wants to finalize a nuclear deal “as soon as possible.” Talks between Iran and world powers are ongoing, with another round scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
Further Discussions on Iran Nuclear Talks:
Despite geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials confirmed that negotiations over their nuclear program would resume next weekend. This comes after an initial round of talks failed to produce a breakthrough.
The rally in Dhaka is just one of many such demonstrations taking place across the Muslim world in response to the escalating crisis in Gaza. As the conflict continues to claim lives, calls for international intervention and solidarity with the Palestinian people are growing louder.
Source: The Times of Israel
