BNP brought out a massive rally in the capital today (Thursday), expressing solidarity with the persecuted people of Gaza, in particular Rafah, in Occupied Palestine, and called for the Muslim world to unite to stop the ongoing genocide.
The programme also aimed at condemning the mass killings, atrocities, and persecution inflicted upon the Palestinians by Israeli occupation forces.
The activities of the rally formally began at 4pm with a recitation from the verses of the Holy Quran.
Following brief addresses by senior leaders, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas inaugurated the rally around 5pm.
In his speech, Abbas said the gathering was unusual due to the large participation of ordinary people as their sentiments were hurt by the Israeli brutality.
He condemned the mass killings and repression of innocent Palestinians, including women and children, by Israeli forces amid the silence of global Muslim leaders.
The BNP leader said had Muslim countries remained united and raised their voices collectively against the ongoing barbarism and genocide, Israel would not have dared to continue its actions.
BNP Standing Committee Members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke at the event, strongly denouncing the mass killings and brutality inflicted on the people of Palestine by Israeli occupation forces.
Later, thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies, including Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swachhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal, and Mohila Dal, took out the rally.
Braving the scorching heat, party leaders and followers from different parts of the city had been arriving in Nayapaltan in processions since early afternoon noon.
Streets and alleys from Kakrail crossing to Fakirerpool and adjoining areas were packed with BNP supporters, causing serious traffic disruptions in the area.
Carrying national flags, as well as the flags of the BNP and Palestine, along with banners, festoons, and placards inscribed with slogans against Israeli mass killings and oppression, they also chanted anti-Israeli slogans.
The rally, which began in Nayapaltan, proceeded through Kakrail, Shantinagar, Malibagh, and Moghbazar before concluding at Bangla Motor. The city-dwellers in these areas endured serious suffering due to traffic disruptions, as it took more than two hours for the rally to conclude.
Earlier on Wednesday, the party announced plans to hold protest and solidarity rallies in the capital Dhaka and all major cities on Thursday.
Similar rallies were also held in major cities across the country today.
Muslim World’s Unity Crucial
Addressing the gathering, BNP senior leaders described the ongoing genocide and persecution in Gaza, and in particular Rafah, on the territory’s southern edge, as not only the destruction of the Palestinian people but also as a conspiracy to annihilate the Muslim community.
Mirza Abbas expressed his distress over the images of ongoing violence in Palestine, describing them as unbearable and stressing that the situation goes beyond the suffering of Palestinian Muslims.
He said the actions being carried out are part of a broader attempt to annihilate Muslims globally. "What’s happening in Palestine is not just an attack on Palestinians; it's an effort to gradually wipe out the entire Muslim world."
“The so-called leader countries of the Muslim world, who are now not providing leadership and raising their voices only to protect their own rule and survival, will face Allah’s curse,” the BNP leader said.
He also pointed out the failure of the Muslim world to take effective action to stop persecution in Palestine due to its divisions.
Abbas recalled the leadership of the late President Ziaur Rahman, who played a significant role in intervening during the Iraq-Iran war. "Had Ziaur Rahman been alive today, I believe he would have taken a strong stance and action to prevent Israel from committing these crimes."
Strong Voice Needed Against Israel
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said effective measures need to be taken to resist the brutal Israeli government and its forces and stop the massacre of innocent men, women, and children.
“We call upon all Muslim countries of the world to unite and protest against this. The Muslim world can play its role in changing the views and course of action of those who support Israel,” he said.
The BNP leader called upon the interim government of Bangladesh to take necessary steps in this regard. “It is unacceptable for the continued genocide and brutal killings of a nation. Those who tolerate these crimes are also committing crimes against humanity.”
“I demand that everything necessary be done to stop Israel’s crimes against humanity. My friends have talked about boycotting Israeli products, and I support it. What does boycott mean? It means I will not use these products… and if someone gives me a gift, I won’t accept it,” he said.
The BNP leader, however, slammed those who indulged in looting and attacking business establishments in the name of boycotting Israeli products. “We want to boycott, but attempting to seize them is also a crime. So, I urge everyone to stand with the Palestinian people with all our courage,” he said.
Israel Indulging in Crimes against Humanity
BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said killing anyone, regardless of their ethnicity or religion, is a serious crime. ”The Israelis are committing this crime in Palestine.”
“On behalf of BNP, I can say that 18 crore people in Bangladesh, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation, stand with the Palestinians,” he said.
The BNP leader questioned why the interim government in Bangladesh is playing a silent role regarding the persecution of Palestine. “Why haven’t we heard anything from the government about Palestine yet? There are many intellectuals and civil society members in our country… they issue hundreds of statements at different times. Why haven’t we heard their voices for Palestine yet? Why?”
The BNP leader said brutal killings have been happening in Palestine for generations. No one, be it men or women, is spared. “This is a direct crime against humanity… Even the United Nations is inactive—becoming a mere puppet.”
Indo-US Conspiracy behind Persecution of Palestinians
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said the Palestinian people have been victims of genocide and oppression for decades due to the Indo-US conspiracy.
“Israel does not care about any UN resolutions, and they have never accepted any decisions made by the UN. There are massive movements for Palestinians all over the world, even in the United States, but we see no indication that this genocide will stop,” he said.
On behalf of BNP, he expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing genocide.
Salahuddin accused the previous Awami League regime of indirectly recognising Israel and purchasing surveillance equipment from Israel to suppress opposition parties.
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