By Mustak Zahid
DHAKA: Thousands of students poured into the streets outside Dhaka University this week, raising their voices in impassioned support for Palestinians under siege. What began as a student-led rally quickly swelled into a powerful show of solidarity, as demonstrators called for justice, liberation, and an end to what they described as Israel’s ongoing crimes against the Palestinian people.
The gathering, marked by chants and placards condemning Israeli aggression, reflected a growing wave of global dissent against the escalating violence in Gaza and the occupied territories. Women, young men, and members of various student groups stood shoulder to shoulder, echoing calls that have rung out from campuses and cities around the world: for an immediate ceasefire, accountability for war crimes, and recognition of the Palestinian right to self-determination.
What made the Dhaka demonstration particularly poignant was the participation of Pakistani students residing in Bangladesh, many of whom spoke openly about the pain felt by Muslims across the globe. Their message was clear and unflinching—that even when leaders remain silent, the people do not. “Muslim rulers may hesitate, but the hearts of the Ummah beat with Palestine,” one student declared, his voice rising above the crowd.
The demonstration also carried a note of defiance. Speakers accused the international community of double standards and selective outrage, urging Muslim-majority nations to break their silence and exert real pressure on Israel. Amid the rhythmic chants of “Free Palestine” and “Down with Zionism,” the students sought to remind the world that the issue is not only political—it is deeply human.
