Protests held in Dhaka, JU

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Friday staged a demonstration to condemn Israel's interception of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) aid boats and express solidarity with the ongoing humanitarian missions to Palestine.
The protest, organised by Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU), began after Jummah prayers at the Central Mosque. The programme started with a march from the mosque, moving through key points at the campus before returning to the university's Shaheed Minar to conclude with a brief rally.
Students chanted a series of slogans in unison, including "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", "Hamas fighters, take salam, take salam," among others.
JU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Mahfuzur Rahman addressed the gathering, urging global moral responsibility over the Gaza crisis. "As human beings, we must do what humanity demands of us. No economy or politics can justify the genocide in Gaza," he said.
JUCSU Vice-President Abdur Rashid Jitu said, "Today's protest is not just about Palestine, it is about humanity. We cannot remain silent when innocent children and women are being killed every day in Gaza. We stand with the oppressed and against all forms of genocide. The international community must rise above double standards and take action. Silence in the face of injustice is also a crime."
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest march in Dhaka to condemn the Israeli attack on a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza and the detention of activists, including Swedish climate icon Greta Thunberg, reports bdnews24.com.
The demonstration began with a brief gathering at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Jummah prayers on Friday and ended near Shantinagar. The march was organised jointly by the party's Dhaka North and South units.
Senior Jamaat leaders, including assistant secretaries general Rafiqul Islam Khan and Abdul Halim, and Dhaka North chief Muhammad Selim Uddin, were present, among others.
In his speech, Rafiqul said protests were taking place worldwide against Israel's "genocidal actions" in Gaza.
"We want to make it clear: until Palestine is free and independent, we will stand beside them and continue our struggle."
He urged Muslims worldwide to boycott Israeli products, and called for unity in support of an independent Palestinian state.
"The whole world is against the Israeli killings, the genocide, the violence against women and children," he said.
He also criticised powerful states for backing Israel despite global support for Palestinian independence.
Rafiqul urged the United Nations and the wider international community to intervene swiftly. "Immediately restrain Israel, declare the occupied areas liberated, and release the aid flotilla workers at once."
"The people of Bangladesh stand with the Palestinians and will continue to do so. If necessary, they will stage long marches for Palestine," said Abdul Halim.

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