Dhaka: Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef S. Y. Ramadan today praised the ‘amazing people of Bangladesh’ for standing by his nation from the beginning and vowed that Palestinians would continue their struggle until achieving freedom.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ambassador Ramadan addressed a symposium organized by the United Nations Association of Bangladesh (UNAB) at a city hotel in Gulshan to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. He emphasized the deep connection between the Palestinian cause and the people of Bangladesh, stating, “The issue of Palestine is also your issue, we will continue our struggle until to get our freedom and dignity.”
The ambassador highlighted the global support for Palestinians, particularly from Bangladesh, as a source of strength. “I am here to tell you the truth. We are extremely proud to be Palestinian,” he told the gathering. Referring to the long-standing displacement and suffering of his people, Ramadan declared, “We are refugees. We are not ashamed of refugees. we are proud because our war is against evil for justice.”
Ramadan asserted that the Palestinian struggle transcends national boundaries and is rooted in universal principles of human dignity and fundamental rights. He issued a stark warning about regional stability, stating, “Either peace for all or not to be anyone in the Middle East.” He commended the unwavering support of the Bangladeshi people for the Palestinian cause.
The event featured Former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Mahbub Uz Zaman as the chief speaker, who delivered the keynote address. M. Arifuzzaman Tasin, Senior Assistant Secretary (United Nations Wing) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended as Guest of Honour. UNAB Vice-President Professor Yusuf Musa chaired the program, while Secretary General Syed Mohammad Shahed gave the welcome address.
In his keynote, Ambassador Mahbub Uz Zaman recalled UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres’ recent observation that “In this moment of crisis, the United Nations has never been more essential,” describing it as an apt remark in the context of ongoing conflicts, nationalism, and geopolitical contestations challenging the UN’s core principles. He criticized the ongoing Israeli military operations, which he described as a “blot on the conscience of humanity.”
Mahbub highlighted the threats facing UN human rights principles, including protracted conflicts, the misuse of new technologies, rising authoritarianism, and deepening social inequalities. He emphasized the importance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in reminding the world of the need to restore the inalienable rights of Palestinians.
Reviewing the UN’s role in the Palestinian issue, Mahbub described the situation of Palestinians as one of “oppression, discrimination, and exploitation by the occupying forces.” He urged ‘concerted action’ to address the challenges of displacement, occupation, and the struggle for self-determination.
Mahbub noted the UN General Assembly’s repeated affirmation of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, including the establishment of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in 1975. He warned that unresolved Palestinian statehood issues had created a “catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza” and posed risks to global security.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s position, Mahbub stated that Dhaka consistently supports Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Bangladesh strongly backs a two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the Quartet Road Map.
Speakers at the symposium reiterated Bangladesh’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access to Gaza, the release of hostages and political prisoners, and renewed diplomatic efforts towards a just and lasting peace.