Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi demanded recognition of Palestine as an independent country and protested against crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli army in Gaza and Rafah organising a protest programme in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday.
The event, which featured cultural programme and discussion, was organised as part of a nation-wide protest programe, said a press release.
Udichi vice-president Jamshed Anwar Tapan, general secretary Amit Ranjan Dey, treasurer Bimal Majumdar, Udichi Dhaka Mahanagar Sangsad general secretary Arif Noor, Adivasi Juba Parishad president Harendranath Singh and others spoke at the programme, which was presided over by Udichi president Badiur Rahman.
Speakers at the programme said that the state of Israel, which was established decades ago by occupying the land of Palestine with the direct support of the United States, has no legitimacy. Most countries in the world did not recognise Israel. Yet, with the help of the USA and its allies, Israel has annexed most of the Palestinian lands in violation of all international laws. The Palestinian people have been brutally attacked many times.
They also said that all the peace-loving people of the world have taken to the streets to protest against Israel鈥檚 war on Palestine. However, Israel continues to carry out genocide in Gaza and Rafah. Hospitals and refugee camps were not spared from their attacks.
The leaders of Udichi called on all peace-loving countries of the world, including Bangladesh, to play a vocal role in building public opinion in favour of Palestine in various international forums.
They also demanded the government to take effective diplomatic action in this regard.