General students from several institutions, including BRAC University (BRACU), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Daffodil International University (DIU), Dhaka University (DU), Green University of Bangladesh (GUB), Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), and Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) have penned statements declaring their support for the strike.

The call for the movement emerged amidst escalating violence by the Israeli Military in Gaza.

At least 12 departments of Dhaka University, along with the Law and Fine Arts faculties, have announced abstention from classes and examinations on April 7, expressing solidarity with the global community against Israeli aggression in Gaza.

The departments and institutions calling for the boycott include the Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Law, Institute of Education and Research (IER), and the departments of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), Nuclear Engineering, Psychology, Islamic Studies, Theatre and Performance Studies, Communication Disorders, Arabic, Sociology, Political Science, Finance, and Pali and Buddhist Studies.

Several other departments of Dhaka university expressed solidarity with the global demonstrations without boycotting classes.

News source- The Daily Star

One of the most pressing concerns is the humanitarian crisis. The complete cutoff of aid and electricity has worsened conditions for civilians. Additionally, a recent United Nations report alleges that Israel has committed acts that could be classified as genocidal, particularly through the destruction of women’s healthcare facilities and the use of sexual violence as a war strategy. However, Israel’s representatives at the UN have strongly denied these claims, calling the report biased and unfounded.

The question arises: who is allowed to investigate and report on these events? Any attempt to scrutinize the situation is often met with pushback, casting doubt on the credibility of even respected international organizations. The media landscape further complicates the issue. A recent controversy surrounding a teenage documentary presenter and his family’s alleged ties to Hamas received extensive coverage, raising questions about selective media focus. Meanwhile, broader issues affecting Palestinian civilians remain underreported.

Amid these tensions, global political dynamics also come into play. Some argue that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies provided Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with unchecked freedom to act.

As the crisis continues, one must ask: has the world given up on Gaza? And if so, why?

News source- Middle East Eye