Bangladeshis Rally in Streets to Denounce Israel’s Actions in Gaza

Massive Nationwide Protests in Bangladesh Against Israeli Actions in Gaza

People from diverse segments of Bangladeshi society—students, activists, professionals, and ordinary citizens—have taken to the streets in a strong show of solidarity with Palestine under the banner of the "World Stops for Gaza" campaign. The demonstrations called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza, widely condemned as acts of genocide.

Protests in Dhaka

In the capital city, Dhaka, large-scale protests erupted across key locations, beginning with strikes at educational institutions. On Monday, university students across the country, including at Dhaka University (DU), declared a peaceful academic strike by abstaining from attending classes and other academic responsibilities. As part of the protest, DU suspended all classes and examinations, and administrative offices remained closed from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Students from various schools, colleges, and medical institutions, alongside members of the public, gathered at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) at DU to commence the rally. Protesters raised slogans such as "Naraye Takbir, Allahu Akbar," "Muslims of the world, unite and fight," and "One, Two, Three, Four. Israel no more," while calling for a national boycott of Israeli products and collective support for an independent Palestine. The protest continued throughout the day.

University and Institutional Participation

Jahangirnagar University (JU) also expressed solidarity with the global student strike campaign. On Monday, the university observed a two-hour work stoppage in all offices from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. All academic activities were suspended for Tuesday as well. The announcement, issued by Acting Registrar ABM Azizur Rahman, confirmed the university’s participation in the global student movement against the violence in Gaza.

Meanwhile, employees and officials from various organizations in Dhaka held a protest march at the Science Lab intersection, holding placards reading “Free Palestine” and “Stop Killing in Gaza.” The processions passed peacefully, moving from Science Lab to Shahbagh via Bata Signal. Law enforcement ensured security and managed minor traffic disruptions. As of 12:00 pm, the march was ongoing.

Religious and Civic Gatherings

A significant religious and civic demonstration took place at Baitul Mukarram and Paltan areas in Dhaka. Following prior announcements, thousands of citizens assembled with posters, banners, and placards denouncing Israeli aggression. A brief rally was held at the northern gate of Baitul Mukarram, where speakers called upon the global community to intervene and hold Israel accountable. Additional protests were scheduled after Zuhr prayer, with participation from groups including Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.

Regional Protests

In Jessore, a mass rally commenced at 11:00 am from Dhatatna Bhairab Shaheed Square, organized by “Students and People of All Walks of Life in Jessore.” Participants included students from Jessore University of Science and Technology and Government MM College. The crowd marched through the city, chanting “The blood debt of millions of martyrs, Palestine Palestine.” Speakers, including writer Benzin Khan and Rashed Khan of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, condemned Israeli atrocities and called for a boycott of Israeli products.

In Narsingdi, an estimated 10,000 people joined a demonstration from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Protesters gathered at Education Square and marched through city streets to the Jail Road intersection on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway. Around 11:15 am, a highway blockade was staged, demanding justice for Gaza and an end to Israeli attacks. The protest concluded at 12:30 pm.

Other Districts

In Mymensingh, residents from all communities gathered at the Town Hall intersection, holding placards and voicing condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The rally proceeded peacefully, with demands for international accountability and immediate humanitarian relief.

In Rajbari, citizens and students assembled at Goalanda Bus Stand on the Dhaka-Khulna highway at 10:00 am. A human chain was formed, followed by a protest march to the Upazila Court ground. The event concluded with a prayer for victims in Gaza and Rafah. Speakers emphasized Muslim unity and declared readiness to defend global Muslim communities against aggression.

In Tangail, a protest rally began at the Tangail Press Club and concluded at the Shaheed Minar. Participants, including students, teachers, and civic leaders, urged all Bangladeshis to boycott Israeli products and highlighted the urgent need for international efforts to stop Israeli oppression in Palestine.