As part of the global campaign "The World Stops for Gaza", massive protests broke out across Bangladesh on Monday in condemnation of the ongoing Israeli aggression in the besieged Gaza Strip.
From early morning, protest rallies and human chains were reported in several areas of the capital, including Science Lab, Mohammadpur, and Badda, with students boycotting classes and exams to join the movement. Office workers and employees from various sectors also participated, expressing solidarity with the cause.
By 11 am, three major protest marches had taken place in the Science Lab area, all starting from the intersection and ending at Bata Signal. Protesters carried placards and banners reading "Free Palestine", "Stop Killing in Gaza", and similar messages. While there were some traffic disruptions, law enforcement kept the situation under control.
A participant from StarTech, a private organization, said, "We stand in solidarity with Gaza. The brutal attacks by Israeli forces on civilians, especially women and children, are inhumane and unacceptable. Where is the global conscience?"
Students from Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College joined a rally at Science Lab, stating that the massacre in Gaza has deeply outraged and saddened students across the country.
Meanwhile, at Dhaka University's Raju Sculpture, a large crowd, including students and professionals, waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans like "Break the evil hand of Israel" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
At BUET, students and teachers held a human chain in support of Gaza, denouncing the attacks as not just political but a humanitarian and moral crisis. They called out Israel's violation of ceasefires, targeting of health facilities, and the use of chemical weapons, demanding immediate global action.
"This isn't the time for just social media posts," a BUET student declared. "We need to stand united, raise our voices on the streets, and act."
Similar protests were held in Mohammadpur, Badda (by BRAC University students), and on university campuses across the country, including Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Jagannath University, Begum Rokeya University, BAU, RUET, CUET, MBSTU, and DUET.
In districts like Jhalakathi and Laxmipur, roads were blocked, shops were closed, and hartals (strikes) were observed. Thousands gathered at key intersections, chanting slogans and demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza. Protesters under the "No Work, No School" banner expressed full support for the people of Gaza.
The protests were in response to the call for a global strike made on April 6 by the Palestinian National and Islamic Forces Group, a coalition originally formed with the approval of Yasser Arafat and led by Marwan Barghouti during the Second Intifada.
As Israeli bombardments intensify following the collapse of the ceasefire, the global outcry continues to grow. Today's demonstrations reflect a unified call from people in Bangladesh — and around the world — for justice, peace, and the freedom of Palestine.
