Dhaka [Bangladesh], April 13: Tens of thousands of people gathered in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka on Saturday to protest what organizers described as "genocide and ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to Israeli military actions against Palestinian civilians.
The rally, held at a venue in central Dhaka, culminated in the adoption of a five-point declaration, demanding, among others, the cancellation of all agreements between Bangladesh and Israel or any Israeli-affiliated institutions.
"Bangladesh holds a historic position on the issue of Palestine not only from a humanitarian perspective, but also as a matter of faith," said Mahmudur Rahman, editor of a Bengali daily, while reading the declaration to the crowd.
He also called upon Muslim-majority countries to sever all ties with Israel, affirming that the Bangladeshi people have committed to standing with Gaza. A police officer on-duty estimated the turnout at well over 100,000. Crowds began pouring into the venue located near the Dhaka University campus, from early morning under the banner of Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags, banners and placards while chanting slogans such as "Palestine, Palestine; Long live, long live!" and "Crush the black hand of Israel!"
Source: Qatar Tribune
