Dhaka : In a show of solidarity with oppressed Muslim communities in Palestine, India, and Myanmar’s Arakan region, the “Anti-Hegemony Muslim Unity Platform” organized a rally on Saturday at the National Press Club premises in the capital, reported the Financial Express.
The rally caused significant traffic disruptions, bringing movement to a standstill for over an hour in areas including Gulistan, the National Press Club, Motijheel, Shahbagh, and Paltan. Commuters experienced severe difficulties as congestion gripped key parts of the city.
At the event, Abul Kashem Muhammad Fazlul Haque, vice-principal of Dhaka Quaderia Taiyabiya Alia (Kamil) Madrasa, read out a formal declaration. Key organisers and speakers such as Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, Syed Muhammad Hasan Al-Azhari, Syed Saiful Islam Bari, Shafik Al-Mujaddedi, and Imran Hussain Tushar also addressed the gathering, according to a press release.
Highlighting the spirit of resistance, the declaration noted, “The core spirit of the July uprising was to stand against oppression and to raise a powerful voice against domination,” while pledging to shape Bangladesh’s future by embodying this spirit.
The platform called for building global public opinion in favor of oppressed Muslims worldwide. It demanded direct intervention from the United Nations and recognition of Palestine as an independent state. The rally also urged the repeal of the “unconstitutional Waqf Bill passed in the Indian Lok Sabha” and called for investigations into “the post-August 5 attacks and arson at shrines,” stressing the need for “exemplary punishment of those responsible.” Additionally, the declaration demanded justice for extrajudicial killings committed during Bangladesh’s previous autocratic regimes.
During his speech, organiser Muhammad Mizanur Rahman urged the interim government to officially honor Rohingya martyr Nur Mustafa, who lost his life during the July uprising.
“Just as we recognize foreign contributors to our Liberation War, Nur Mustafa should also be remembered and acknowledged as one of our own,” he said.
The rally was attended by Hasan Ali, joint convener of the National Citizen Party, along with spiritual leaders, Islamic scholars, and citizens from across the country.
