Teachers, students, officers and staff of Jagannath University observed a “March for Palestine” program in protest against the ongoing Israeli genocide in Palestine and in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
On Thursday, the participants gathered at 10am in front of the university’s Shanto Chattar and commenced a symbolic march towards the embassies of the United States and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to submit memoranda voicing their demands.
To avoid any disruption to the ongoing SSC examinations, a designated delegation was sent to deliver the memoranda.
The participants returned to campus via Taatibazar, where the program concluded with a brief rally.
Professor Dr Rois Uddin, general secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, said: “It is well known that the United States is aiding Israel in carrying out this genocide. For this reason, we are submitting a memorandum urging the US government to refrain from supporting these atrocities."
He further said: "Likewise, we call upon Saudi Arabia to take a firm stance against these crimes against humanity. As Bangladesh is a country with a 92% Muslim population, we expect our government to officially condemn these actions and take appropriate measures. We are therefore submitting a memorandum to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well.”
He added: “As the SSC examinations are currently underway, we were requested to ensure that no disruptions occur. Therefore, we had to shorten our march and return to campus, where the program will conclude with a brief rally.”
Notably Tuesday, in a discussion meeting organized by the Teachers’ Association at the university’s faculty lounge, a collective decision was taken by the teachers, students, officers, and staff to jointly organize the “March for Palestine” in protest of the Israeli genocide and in support of Palestine.
