Bangladesh a true friend of Palestine: Envoy

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan said that since Bangladesh's independence, it has extended special support to the Palestinian people both regionally and internationally.

In 1973, Bangladesh sent medical supplies to the people of Palestine. Despite always being in crisis, the people of Palestine regard Bangladesh as a true friend, he added.

The ambassador made these remarks at a discussion on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People organised by the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). The discussion was held at the National Press Club in Dhaka today.

CPB President Md Shah Alam presided over the discussion, while Palestinian Ambassador Yousef SY Ramadan attended it.

CPB's International Affairs Department Head Advocate Hasan Tariq Chowdhury delivered the introductory speech, while CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, Presidium Member Shahin Rahman, senior journalist Sohrab Hasan, Doctors for Health and Environment President Dr Abu Said, Peace Council Central Committee Member Dr Shakil Akhtar, among others, spoke at the programme. CPB Central Member Lucky Akhtar moderated the event.

CPB President Md Shah Alam condemned the recent brutalities of the occupying Israeli forces in Palestinian territories and denounced Israeli aggression and occupation against Palestine.

He emphasised the need for solidarity with the Palestinian people and urged the nation's social, cultural, and political forces to unite against Israeli aggression.

Ruhin Hossain Prince demanded the expulsion of Israel from the United Nations and the prosecution of its genocidal acts in international courts.

He also called for the declaration of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

Senior journalist Sohrab Hasan denounced US imperialism's global aggression and its support for Israel's atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people.

He said that establishing an independent Palestinian state is the only sustainable solution.

Presidium Member Shahin Rahman urged the global community to demand the cessation of US military aid to Israel, including arms supplies and naval support, and to advocate for an independent Palestine.

Advocate Hasan Tariq Chowdhury criticised the Western nations for their double standards. While vocal about human rights elsewhere, they remain silent on Israel's genocide in Palestine.

He also pointed out the failure of international organisations like the Arab League and OIC to take effective actions.

Hasan Tariq Chowdhury accused the West of showing disproportionate concern over the Ukraine-Russia conflict while remaining indifferent to the Gaza genocide, even vetoing ceasefire resolution.

He urged resistance against imperialist powers and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

The programme also featured anti-war songs performed by artists from Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi.