University students in Bangladesh will observe a peaceful strike on Monday in solidarity with Gaza by refraining from attending classes or participating in academic activities.
On Sunday afternoon, students began circulating notices on social media platforms calling for a boycott. In support of this call, Dhaka University (DU) students organized a rally later in the evening.
Additionally, the Private University Students Alliance Bangladesh (PUSAB) called for a demonstration in front of the Uttara BNS Center on Monday.
The protest initiative initially appeared on a pro-Palestinian Facebook page titled "The Eye of Palestine," which posted two images on Saturday calling for a global boycott.
A related post on the subreddit r/Palestine also garnered significant attention. Dhaka Tribune could not verify the identities of the individuals operating these accounts.
Students from various prominent universities, including Jagannath University, Brac University, North South University, and University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), have condemned the bombing of civilians in Gaza.
They emphasized that the matter goes beyond politics—it is a moral imperative.
This academic boycott is part of the ongoing Global Strike Movement, with Monday’s theme being “The world stops for Gaza.”
DU economics student Musa Ahmed told Dhaka Tribune: “We are doing as much as we possibly can. Since everyone is boycotting together, we hope this will get noticed by the whole world.”
Araf Ul Haque, a CSE student at Brac University, said: “The attacks on Palestinian civilians, especially the video of an ambulance being shot at, triggered strong emotions among many. Palestinians have not received any international support. This boycott is our way of showing solidarity.”
He added: “We are doing this because we do not forget, and we do not forgive.”
Hamid Hossen, a student at ULAB, shared: “The scale of the genocide is unbearable. I stand in solidarity with the global strike. It may not have a direct impact, but it’s about showing support.”
He added: “From my position, I no longer use Microsoft products after hearing that they support the Israeli army. This is the least I can do.”
DU demonstration
As part of the protest, Dhaka University students organized a rally from "Hall Para" to the Raju Memorial Sculpture at around 8pm.
The rally was held under the banner of Azad Palestine (Free Palestine), and approximately 100 students participated.
Protesters expressed their support for the global “No Work, No School” initiative and called on the interim government to take a clear stance on the issue of Palestine and implement a financial boycott of Israel.
DU students announced plans to hold another rally on Monday, demanding an end to mass killings in the Gaza Strip, the observance of absentee funeral prayers for deceased Palestinians, and the reinstatement of the phrase “except Israel” in Bangladeshi passports.
During the rally on Sunday, Musaddiq Ibne Ali Muhammad, one of the protesters, announced a protest march toward the US Embassy in Dhaka, scheduled for Tuesday.
Activist organizations from several countries have also joined the movement. Doctors Against Genocide, for example, has called for a protest in front of the UN Headquarters in New York.
In 2023, Palestinian activists and social media influencers called for a similar global strike on December 11, in the aftermath of the UN's failure to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.