Islami Andolan Bangladesh protests attacks on Palestine
Leaders and activists of Islami Andolan’s Dhaka metropolitan wing gathered near the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital around 11:00 am to protest the ongoing cross-border violence
Islami Andolan Bangladesh today staged a demonstration against the Israeli attacks on Palestinians in West Jerusalem that killed more than a hundred people since 10 April.
Leaders and activists of Islami Andolan's Dhaka metropolitan wing gathered near the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital around 11:00 am to protest the ongoing cross-border violence.
"We have chosen 14 May to denounce the brutal attacks because the state Israel was established the same day 73 years back," said IAB Joint Secretary General Kazi Ataur Rahman.
"We will observe this day every year as 'Black Day' showing solidarity with Palestine."
Urging the government to take a strict position against Israel, IAB presidium member ProfMahbubur Rahman said, "The time has come for the Muslims to unite and be ready to die to protect Islam."
Law enforcers took positions in the mosque and adjacent areas to stop any kind of violence centring on the protest.
Earlier, Awami League Joint General Secretary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud condemned the attacks on Palestinians after attending the Eid prayers at Baitul Mukarram.
He said, "I have prayed to almighty Allah for peace in Palestine and hope this oppression will end."
The violence followed weeks of tension in Jerusalem during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters took place in and around Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the compound revered by the Jews as Temple Mount and by the Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.
These escalated in recent days ahead of a (now postponed) court hearing on a case that could end with Palestinian families being evicted from East Jerusalem homes claimed by Jewish settlers.
According to the Gaza health ministry, 109 people, including 28 children and at least 11 women, have been killed and 580 others wounded since Israel's operation began on Monday, further straining hospitals already under heavy pressure because of the pandemic.
Five congregations of Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were held at Baitul Mukarram. The first congregation was held at 7:00 am, followed by prayers at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, and 10:00 am.
