Students nationwide rally in support of Palestine

Universities nationwide witnessed significant solidarity rallies yesterday organised by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in support of Palestinian statehood amid global student protests.

Thousands of students gathered across campuses around 11am, raising both Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags in unity against Israeli forces' actions.

At Dhaka University, the solidarity event convened at the Raju Sculpture, featuring speeches from the BSL central unit president and general secretary. Students displayed placards with messages like "Free Palestine, stop the genocide," rallying support for the cause.

The event began with the Palestinian anthem, followed by songs symbolising the struggle for Palestinian freedom. BSL General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan led the proceedings, with speeches from leaders of various BSL units and Palestinian students.

BSL President Saddam Hussain urged students to support oppressed communities worldwide, particularly highlighting the situation in Gaza. He underscored the movement's international scope, uniting diverse voices for peace.

Saddam criticised countries supporting Israel, accusing them of perpetuating violence. He drew parallels between the Palestinian struggle and Bangladesh's liberation war, calling for international justice against Israel.

Palestinian student Issaq Nomura, studying in Bangladesh, thanked Bangladeshi students for their unwavering support, condemning Israeli forces' actions and human rights abuses against Palestinians.

"We remember the three hundred thousand Palestinian students in Gaza who are barred from their educational pursuits by the brutal tactics of the Israeli occupation forces," he said.

The rallies extended beyond Dhaka to universities nationwide, including Jahangirnagar, Chittagong, Cumilla, Rajshahi, and Shahjalal universities, as well as Shah Azizul Haque College in Bogura and Mymensingh Agricultural University. The events garnered widespread media coverage, amplifying the message of solidarity.

BSL's commitment to justice echoed Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's words, aligning with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's support for Palestinian independence and Bangladesh's stance on global peace and solidarity.