Dhaka has witnessed a surge in protests as citizens rally against the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, Palestine. The 'No Work No Class' campaign was observed across the city on Monday (April 7), with processions, human chains, and slogans demanding an end to the violence and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 conference kicked off at the Hotel Intercontinental as part of the four-day investment summit, drawing participation from foreign delegates. Heightened security amid protests Law enforcement agencies have significantly bolstered security measures in Dhaka to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, safeguard residents, and prevent any untoward incidents during the protests. Since Monday morning, police and army personnel have been deployed at key intersections and sensitive areas across the capital. Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner () Media and Public Relations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police told Jago News: "Normal police activities are continuing in Dhaka. Additional forces have been deployed in certain areas, including plainclothes officers for monitoring. So far, no chaotic situations have been reported, and all programs are being conducted peacefully."
Special attention has been given to securing embassies and high-profile locations. For instance, the area around the US Embassy in Baridhara saw heightened vigilance after a group of protesters gathered there at around 11:45 am.
Although the protest remained peaceful, with participants holding banners and chanting slogans, security in the vicinity has been further reinforced.
Md Tarek Mahmud, Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Gulshan Division, confirmed: "The protest at the US Embassy area is peaceful, with only a few participants remaining. However, we have strengthened security to prevent any potential disruptions."
Protests across key locations
Science Lab intersection
A significant protest procession was held at the Science Lab intersection under the banner of 'The World Stops for Gaza.' Organised by various groups and students, the programme began at around 11:00am. Protesters carried placards and banners, chanting slogans such as 'Free Palestine' and 'Stop Killing in Gaza.' While the demonstration caused temporary traffic congestion, law enforcement officials quickly restored order.
BRAC University
At BRAC University in Badda, students staged a powerful protest against Israel's actions in Gaza. Carrying placards with messages condemning the violence, they called for an immediate halt to the killings and demanded accountability from nations supporting Israel.
One student, Adnan Hasan, criticized global inaction: "Children are dying every day in Gaza, while organisations like UNICEF merely count the numbers without taking meaningful action. This silence is complicity in the massacre."
The students also urged Muslim-majority countries to unite against the atrocities and appealed to the Bangladesh government to take a stronger stance in support of Palestine.
Human chain at BUET
Students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) formed a human chain in front of the Central Shaheed Minar on campus at 11:30 am. They emphasised the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle for an independent state and full rights to Jerusalem.
Chants echoed through the gathering: "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free!", “Shame, shame Zionists, make free Palestine!", "Inquilab Inquilab, Al-Aqsa Zindabad!"
Several BUET faculty members joined the students in solidarity, making it a moment of collective resistance.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
The north gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque became a hub of pro-Palestinian activism after Zohr prayers on Monday. Hundreds of worshippers gathered, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as: “Israel's black hand, break it, break it!", "Palestine Zindabad, Palestine Zindabad!"
Organised by the “National Ulama Mashayekh Aimmah Parishad, a pre-march rally featured speeches from top religious leaders and national figures. Many attendees arrived carrying Palestinian flags, underscoring their unwavering support for the cause.
Announcement of march to US Embassy
The platform Azad Palestine, led by Dhaka University students, announced plans to besiege the Foreign Ministry and march toward the US Embassy. The group condemned the Israeli attacks in Gaza and demanded that the Bangladesh government summon the US High Commissioner and hold Israel accountable.
Mosaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, a student organiser, said,"We will burn effigies of Netanyahu and Trump to symbolize our rejection of their policies. Our march will begin at 3:30 pm on Tuesday (April 8) from the Raju Memoriam Monument at Dhaka University."
A city united in solidarity
As protests reverberated across Dhaka—from university campuses to mosques and busy intersections—the city stood united in its condemnation of the violence in Gaza. Despite the charged atmosphere, law enforcement efforts ensured that the demonstrations remained largely peaceful.