Protests erupt nationwide condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza

Highlights

• Death toll in Gaza rises, over 600 Palestinians killed
• Among the dead are at least 200 children
• BNP condemns Israeli aggression, CPB holds protests
• Demonstrates by Islamist orgs in Lakshmipur, Mongla, Jamalpur, and Kushtia

Several political and Islamist organisations in Bangladesh have staged protests today (21 March) condemning the ongoing Israeli attacks on Palestine, calling for urgent global action to stop the killings in Gaza.

The renewed protests come after more than 600 Palestinians, including at least 200 children, were killed since Israel broke the Gaza ceasefire on Tuesday. The death toll continues to rise as Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults intensify. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to resume bombardments and abruptly end a two-month temporary ceasefire, came under the fire of Israelis too as thousands took to the streets recently, as the attacks made the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza uncertain.

Islamist groups held processions across the country following Jummah prayers, denouncing the attacks on Palestine as well as the recent aggression against Muslims in India. 

In Dhaka, organisations such as Khelafat Majlis and Hefazat-e-Islam organised rallies in front of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Law enforcement agencies took extensive security measures around the mosque and its surrounding areas, anticipating large processions. 

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Business Standard that an additional 200 police personnel were deployed in Gulshan under the orders of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). 

Additionally, 30-40 police officers were stationed at the embassies of India, the United States, and the European Union.

Meanwhile, BNP strongly condemned the illegal and inhumane attacks by Israel on the Palestinian people. It called on the global community to take urgent action to halt the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.

"Even during the holy month of Ramadan, inhuman and brutal acts of violence are being carried out against the Palestinian people," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said in a statement.

He said the Gaza Strip has been turned into a slaughterhouse, with over a thousand Palestinians, including women and infants, being brutally killed in indiscriminate airstrikes that blatantly disregard international norms. Despite the ceasefire, Fakhrul said the renewed attacks are illegal and constitute a heinous crime against humanity.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) also staged a protest in Dhaka, condemning the mass killings in Gaza and other occupied territories. 

The demonstration started at the CPB's central office, Mukti Bhaban, and passed through key locations, including the National Press Club. During a pre-march gathering in Purana Paltan, CPB President Mohammad Shah Alam called Israel's actions "a blatant act of imperialist aggression" and accused the US and its Middle Eastern allies of orchestrating one of the worst massacres of the century.

In Lakshmipur, massive protests were held across the district in response to Israel's attacks on Gaza. Demonstrations took place in the district town and five upazilas, with a significant number of people joining the protests.

Following Jummah prayers, thousands of worshippers from at least 20-25 mosques joined a large procession in the district town. Similar protests were reported in Ramganj, Raipur, Ramgati, and Kamalnagar upazilas, where people gathered in local markets and neighbourhoods to express their outrage.

In Mongla, Islami Andolon Bangladesh and local worshippers marched through the streets, gathering at Shapla Chattar for a rally. Over a thousand people participated, denouncing Israeli aggression and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Protests were also held in Melandah, Jamalpur, condemning both Israel's assault on Gaza and communal violence in India's Nagpur. 

The Melandah unit of Ittefaq-ul-Ulama organised a march that passed through key areas, including Melandah police station and the Central Shaheed Minar, before concluding at Melandah Bazaar. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as "Ban Israel" and "Prosecute Netanyahu."

At Islamic University in Kushtia, students staged a massive protest against Israeli atrocities and the persecution of Muslims in India. The demonstration began in front of the university's central mosque, proceeding through the campus and ending in front of the administration building for a rally. 

Students chanted slogans like "Free Palestine," "Boycott Israel," and "Muslims of the world, unite and resist!" while holding banners demanding justice for Palestinians and action against Israeli aggression.