Khulna: In response to a global call for a strike on April 7, students, teachers, officers, and employees of Khulna University (KU) participated in a demonstration expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza. Over three hundred individuals from the university community gathered to voice their support for Palestinians amidst ongoing conflicts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the demonstration began with a protest rally at the university's Hadi Square. The participants marched through various streets on the campus before returning to their starting point, culminating the event with a rally. During the gathering, KU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md Rezaul Karim addressed the crowd as the chief guest, urging Muslim countries to unite in support of Palestine. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Palestinians have the right to live and die naturally, calling on Muslim nations to contribute to establishing an independent Palestine.
Other notable speakers included KU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Md Harun-or-Rashid Khan, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md Nur Nobi, and Head of the Business Administration Discipline Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan. They expressed deep concern over the widespread killing of civilians, particularly women and children, as well as the indiscriminate destruction of homes and infrastructure in Gaza. A doa mahfil was also held to pray for eternal peace for the departed souls of those killed in the conflict.
Prior to the demonstration, in response to the brutal attacks by Israeli forces in Gaza, KU authorities announced the suspension of classes and examinations to show their support for the people of Gaza. "All examinations will be rescheduled," stated KU Registrar Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman, adding that new dates would be announced soon.