Global Gaza Strike Gains Ground in Bangladesh
In a bold show of solidarity with the people of Gaza, who have called for a global shutdown on Monday (April 7) in protest of the ongoing genocide, citizens across Bangladesh are preparing to participate in the “No Work, No School” movement. The call urges people worldwide to halt operations in educational institutions, government and private offices, and courts to demand an end to the atrocities in Gaza.
Echoing this appeal, social media users, influencers, entrepreneurs, and political figures in Bangladesh have mobilized both online and offline to promote the campaign, but notably not under any political banner. Instead, the demonstrations will take place under the collective identity of "Bangladesh."
On Sunday, general students of the Islamic Arabic University strongly condemned the genocide in Gaza and denounced the silence of global powers, international human rights bodies, and even Muslim leaders around the world. Expressing their support for the global “The World Stops for Gaza” campaign, they declared a complete boycott of classes on April 7.
Similar declarations have been made by students from East West University, Dhaka Medical College, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the combined student community of Dhaka University, BAF Shaheen College, and the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology Debating Club.
In solidarity, entrepreneur Zahidul Islam of startup Routemaker urged everyone via Facebook to pause all advertisements and observe the strike: “No Facebook ads tomorrow. Strike for Gaza.”
Renowned economist Professor Anu Muhammad also expressed his support by sharing an image on Facebook that reads, “No work, no school until genocide stops.” In the caption, he wrote: “Yes, I stand in solidarity. Join the global strike tomorrow, April 7, against Israeli occupation and genocide.”
Sarjees Alam, central organizer (North Zone) of the National Citizens Party (NCP), also echoed the call via social media. In his post, he wrote: “As humans and Muslims, our duty should not be limited to merely keeping offices and schools shut. People across the nation—regardless of political affiliation—must take to the streets to protest against Israeli crimes. We may not be able to physically join our brothers and sisters in Gaza, but we can stand in unity with them from our own soil.”
He emphasized that the protests should be held not under the banners of NCP, BNP, Jamaat, or any political party, but simply under the name of “Bangladesh.” He added: “Let us raise our voices against the bloodthirsty Netanyahu regime. In every district, let student representatives step forward and unite for this cause. On April 7, let this movement represent not any party, but the oppressed people of Gaza.”
Shadik Kayem, former president of the Dhaka University branch of the Islami Chhatra Shibir, also urged participation through his verified Facebook page, stating: “Be a part of global solidarity for Gaza. Make the ‘No Work, No School’ movement successful on Monday, April 7.”
Netizens across Bangladesh are further amplifying the call to action through hashtags, graphics, and protest art shared widely on various social platforms, reinforcing a growing digital wave of solidarity with Palestine.
