Dhaka Erupts in Anger: Major Protests Break Out Over Israel’s Attacks on Gaza

This week, thousands demonstrated in Dhaka, marking one of the largest rallies seen in recent years, in response to Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. From student-led gatherings at Dhaka University to religious assemblies after Friday prayers, the streets of the Bangladeshi capital resounded with cries for justice, a ceasefire, and an end to what marchers termed the "genocide" of Palestinians.

The protests mirror the escalating global outrage regarding the protracted conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties in the besieged Palestinian region. In Bangladesh, a nation with a deep-rooted history of backing the Palestinian cause, emotions have intensified dramatically.

Students Take the Lead

A standout demonstration occurred at Dhaka University, where students, faculty, and activists assembled in front of the renowned Raju sculpture, a representation of resistance and freedom in Bangladesh. Protesters ignited an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of perpetrating war crimes and targeting innocent lives.

Demonstrators also took aim at U.S. President Joe Biden for his administration’s steadfast support of Israel, chanting phrases such as “Biden, shame on you!” and “Free Palestine now!”

“We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster in Gaza,” stated Ariful Islam Apu, a lecturer at Dhaka University. “This is not merely a conflict — it is a thoroughly documented genocide against an entire community.”

Law Professor Nakib Mahmud Nasrullah commented, “You don’t have to be Muslim or Palestinian to support Gaza. Being human is sufficient.”

The student-led demonstration also expressed strong solidarity with global movements, particularly those occurring in American and European universities, where students have urged their institutions to divest from companies associated with Israel’s military-industrial complex.

“Our message is unequivocal,” declared Saddam Hussain, president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). “We advocate for a free Palestine and a world devoid of oppression and warfare.”

Religious and Political Unity

The protests extended beyond the university campus. On Friday, large numbers of worshippers participated in rallies organized by Islamic organizations like Islami Andolan Bangladesh after Jumu'ah prayers at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Religious leaders denounced Israel’s actions and criticized the inaction of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Numerous participants waved Palestinian flags, carried placards featuring graphic images from the war zone, and displayed signs with messages such as “Stop the genocide,” “Boycott Israel,” and “Save Gaza, Save Humanity.”

Sheikh Fazlul Karim, a senior cleric who addressed the assembly, proclaimed, “The Muslim Ummah must unite against this cruelty. The silence of global powers is a transgression in and of itself.”

Nationwide Movements

The demonstrations in Dhaka ignited a chain reaction throughout the nation. Similar protests erupted in cities like Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, Jashore, and Kushtia. In every city, students, political groups, and civil society organizations united to call for justice for Palestine.

Many protesters also took issue with global media portrayals, accusing Western outlets of bias and double standards in their reporting on the conflict. “Why is a child’s death in Gaza deemed less significant than one in Ukraine?” a demonstrator queried during a protest in Chattogram.

Bangladesh’s Official Position

Bangladesh maintains no diplomatic relationships with Israel and has consistently championed the Palestinian cause in international settings. The government has condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, reaffirming its endorsement for a two-state resolution grounded in pre-1967 borders.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud recently remarked, “Bangladesh firmly stands with the people of Palestine in their fight for justice, dignity, and the right to live peacefully in their homeland.”

Global Context

The demonstrations in Bangladesh are part of a larger worldwide reaction to the conflict in Gaza. Cities around the globe, from London to Jakarta, have seen large crowds protesting for an end to Israel's military actions. Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have voiced serious concerns regarding possible war crimes and breaches of international law.

As the death toll in Gaza keeps increasing, there is escalating public demand for action from world leaders. In Dhaka, the streets reverberated with a unified message: Bangladesh will not be muted.

Conclusion

The surge of protests throughout Bangladesh symbolizes a profound and widespread sense of solidarity with the people of Gaza. In a nation shaped by its own battles against oppression and war, the harrowing images emerging from Gaza have deeply resonated with many.

For a significant number in Dhaka and elsewhere, this transcends politics — it is fundamentally about humanity.