Dhaka dwellers joined a candlelight vigil last night to remember, pray for, and express shock at the Israeli army’s relentless attack on Gaza residents, which has claimed more than 600 lives.
The vigil, titled “Send a prayer to Gaza,” was organised independently by a group of concerned citizens intending to bring together others who share similar sentiments, and to condemn the act of inhumanity and send their prayers for those in Gaza.
“Innocent lives must be spared at all costs, and the world can no longer remain silent,” said Saif Kamal, one of the organisers. “In solidarity with Gaza, today we stand lighting a candle and sending a prayer since we remain helpless yet hopeful that humanity will rise.”
The group further reiterated that what is happening in the Gaza Strip is a clear violation of international law, calling on the world leaders to condemn Hamas’ use of human shields as well as the deaths due to the Israeli ground assault in Gaza.
“What is going on in Gaza is nothing but an absolute war crime and this must end,” said Tasaffy Hossain, another organiser of the event.
“As long as the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain unresolved, such levels of violence are inevitable. At a time when the world is facing such atrocious acts of inhumanity, it is important for the world to stand up and protest against it until it ends,” Saif added.
“I am here because it is our small way of showing to the Palestinians that they have not been forgotten by the world no matter how much certain quarters try to silence their words,” said Anindya Dutta, one of the participants in the vigil.
Protesters stood with candles and placards calling for peace in Gaza. They also sang different songs, including “Manush manusher jonno,” keeping in line with the theme of the vigil. The protesters included children as well.
The vigil ended with a minute of silence in the memory of those who lost their lives and those struggling to live.
