From the bustling capital of Dhaka to the tranquil hill districts, Bangladesh witnessed a historic outpouring of solidarity with the people of Gaza on Monday. Students, teachers, professionals, and citizens from all walks of life united in a powerful, nationwide demonstration, echoing the global call to “Stop the Genocide in Gaza.”
In response to the international campaign titled “The World Stops for Gaza”, educational institutions, businesses, and organizations across the country paused their regular activities, turning the streets into platforms of protest and resistance. While the government did not officially order closures, many universities and schools voluntarily suspended operations to allow students and faculty to participate in the movement.
From Campuses to City Centers: A Unified Cry for Justice
Dhaka’s major academic institutions—Dhaka University, BUET, BRAC University, North South University, and others—became epicenters of organized resistance. At DU’s Raju Bhaskarjya and Aparajeyo Bangla, protesters waved Palestinian flags, carried placards, and chanted “Free Palestine,” “Stop the Genocide,” and “Boycott Israeli Products.” The university administration suspended operations between 9:00 am and 11:00 am in a rare gesture of alignment with a global political movement.
Similar scenes unfolded at BRAC University, where students rallied near the Badda campus. Dressed in keffiyehs and waving handmade banners, they demanded justice for the Palestinian people. At Bashundhara, students from NSU, IUB, UIU, and AIUB marched together, calling on international leaders to act.
At Jahangirnagar University, academic activities were halted for two hours, while students of Eden Women’s College and University of Asia Pacific also organized human chains and campus-wide rallies.
In a particularly emotional demonstration, students at Alokito Hridoy School in Tangail canceled classes for the day, holding a protest from 9:20am to 1:00pm. Even the youngest participants—schoolchildren—raised handmade signs reading “Stop War,” “The World for Gaza,” and “Justice Now.”
Diplomatic Zones Turn into Protest Grounds
One of the largest protests centered around the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, where tensions ran high. A heavy police presence monitored crowds chanting slogans such as “Trump-er dui gaaley, juta maaro taley taley” and “Who are we? Palestine!” Protesters held effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and placards condemning the complicity of Western powers.
The U.S. Embassy issued a demonstration alert, warning American citizens in Dhaka to avoid the area and remain vigilant.
Nationwide Mobilization from Sylhet to Cox’s Bazar
Beyond the capital, cities across the country joined the movement. In Sylhet, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, Bogura, and Khulna, massive rallies brought together thousands. Protesters in Sylhet’s Chouhatta and Khulna’s Shibbarir Mor voiced anger not only at Israeli aggression but also at international silence.
In some areas, including Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar, demonstrations escalated. Protesters vandalized multinational outlets like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s, accusing them of supporting Israeli interests. Bottles of Coca-Cola and Pepsi were poured onto the streets as symbols of boycott. Police responded swiftly, deploying additional forces to contain the unrest.
Chattogram saw marches by students from various institutions including Chittagong Medical College and Government Hazi Muhammad Mohsin College. In Narsingdi, thousands of students blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, while in Cumilla, Kandirpar saw vibrant protest marches.
Even in remote districts like Bandarban, Patuakhali, Kushtia, and Panchagarh, citizens formed human chains and held rallies. In Gazipur, protesters stormed the Chandana Chowrasta area, denouncing companies accused of backing Israeli interests.
Voices of Resistance and Hope
Cultural figures, political activists, and religious organizations amplified the movement. At Shahbagh, under the banner “Dhaka Solidarity with Gaza,” artist collectives and youth organizations demanded global justice. “This is not just about Palestine—it’s about standing against genocide,” said Bithi Ghosh from the cultural group Samageet Band.
Former cricketer Mahmudullah Riyad announced a “March for Gaza” on April 12, inviting the public to join him from Shahbagh to Manik Mia Avenue in a symbolic walk of solidarity.
Leaders from various political parties also stepped in. Bangladesh Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and the Left Democratic Alliance declared a week-long protest calendar. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami organized rallies in several cities including Dhaka, Bogura, and Pabna, urging international intervention and accountability for Israeli war crimes.
Government Condemns Israeli Assaults
In tandem with public sentiment, Bangladesh’s interim government issued a strong statement condemning Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the indiscriminate aerial bombardment as a clear violation of international law and called on the United Nations to ensure an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, the government called for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
A Nation Stands Together
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed over 50,000 Palestinians and injured more than 115,000, according to the Palestinian Wafa news agency. The UN has reported that nearly 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, leading to a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
In the face of such devastation, Bangladesh has emerged as a unified voice for peace and justice. Monday’s nationwide mobilization not only signaled solidarity with the people of Gaza, but also reminded the world that even from afar, voices can rise in unison against injustice.
