 "A woman joins a protest to condemn Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, at a rally in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, April 12, 2025. Image- AP")
Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Dhaka on Saturday, denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza amid growing unrest that has plunged Bangladesh into a political crisis.
An estimated 100,000 demonstrators filled Suhrawardy Park near Dhaka University, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free, Free Palestine.” Many targeted US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of backing Israel.
Effigies and symbolic coffins representing Palestinian civilians were paraded through the crowd.
The protest, backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Islamist groups, escalated national tensions. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 170 million, has no diplomatic ties with Israel and supports Palestinian statehood.
The unrest peaked on August 5, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid violent demonstrations. Her official residence was stormed hours after her departure. More than 1,000 people were killed in the protests, marking the bloodiest period since the 1971 war of independence.
An interim government, including student representatives, has been formed to restore order and prepare for fresh elections.
With inputs from agencies