As student protests advocating for Palestinian statehood gained momentum worldwide, universities in Bangladesh witnessed the largest solidarity rallies on Monday.

Thousands of students across the country held solidarity rallies organised by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) against the brutality of Israeli forces.

The programmes included the hoisting of the Palestinian flag, processions, and student rallies across the country.

The rallies, simultaneously held on various campuses at 11am, saw the national flags of Bangladesh and Palestine being raised in unity. The event attracted thousands of students, showcasing overwhelming support for BCL’s initiative.

As part of the programme, BCL organised a rally on the Dhaka University (DU) campus demanding an independent Palestinian state on Monday.

The student body of Bangladesh Awami League started a procession from Madhur Canteen of DU at 12:30pm, passing through Fuller Road and the Central Shaheed Minar area, and ending at Raju Sculpture in the TSC area.

Before the rally, a large Palestinian flag was hoisted behind the Raju Sculpture. BCL leaders and activists criticised the US for supporting Israel’s aggression in Palestine.

BCL Central President Saddam Hussain said, “While the United States supports the attack on Palestine with money and weapons, the students and youth of the country stand for the freedom of Palestine.”

“Because of this, students are being tortured and suppressed. Those who issue certificates of democracy and freedom of speech worldwide, those who advocate for democracy, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly, have been unmasked today.”

He called for international trials for those accused of crimes against humanity in Palestine and urged global recognition of the war crimes in Gaza.

BCL DU unit President Mazharul Kabir Shayon said that the US and the United Nations are openly supporting oppression and destruction in Palestine.

Two Palestinian students studying in Bangladesh also spoke at the rally. They expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the Chhatra League for standing by Palestine.

BCL Central General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan presided over the rally, with leaders and activists from various units participating.

Similar solidarity rallies were held at other major educational institutions such as Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. Government Azizul Haque College in Bogura and Mymensingh Agricultural University also witnessed significant turnouts.

The rallies were live-streamed by major media outlets, attracting nationwide attention and support.