Key Highlights:
- On Friday,10 May 2024, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution granting Palestine new ‘rights and privileges’
- The resolution, backed by Arab and Palestinian sponsors, passed with a vote of 143-9, with 25 abstentions
Professor Dr Sayed Mahdi Mousavi, a distinguished scholar from Iran and Chairman of the University of Religions and Denominations, has expressed deep admiration for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s courageous stance against the atrocities in Gaza and her unwavering support for the Palestinian people. He emphasized the necessity for Muslim nations to present a unified front against the injustices perpetrated by Israel.
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He envisions a collective response from Muslims worldwide, condemning the genocide and unlawful actions of Israel. He underscored the significance of Muslim solidarity, lamenting the inaction of certain Muslim nations in addressing the crisis in Palestine.
Turning his attention to Bangladesh’s economic landscape, the Iranian scholar commended the rapid advancements achieved under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership. He regards Bangladesh as a frontrunner in economic development, foreseeing its ascent to prominence on the global stage.
Professor Mousavi advocates for strengthened economic ties between Bangladesh and Iran, recognizing the abundant opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
During his visit, Professor Mousavi highlighted the underutilized potential in the relationship between the two Muslim-majority nations. He emphasized the importance of addressing local concerns as a means to foster closer ties and enhance cooperation.
Bangladesh Leads Protests Against Israel, Stands with Palestine
Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has consistently condemned the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestine. Bangladesh, Bolivia, South Africa, Comoros, and Djibouti have collectively urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to examine the conditions prevailing in the Palestinian territories in 2023.
The ICC’s prosecutor confirmed the receipt of a joint appeal from these nations to investigate the situation. The Court is already conducting an inquiry into alleged war crimes in the State of Palestine dating back to June 13, 2014.
On Friday,10 May 2024, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution granting Palestine new ‘rights and privileges’ and urged the Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s bid for UN membership. The resolution, backed by Arab and Palestinian sponsors, passed with a vote of 143-9, with 25 abstentions.
Notably, the United States, Israel, Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, and Papua New Guinea voted against it.
The significant margin of approval underscores global support for Palestine’s full UN membership, especially amidst concerns over the rising death toll in Gaza and apprehensions of a potential Israeli offensive in Rafah, a city in the south where approximately 1.3 million Palestinians have sought shelter. The vote also signals an increasing solidarity with the Palestinian cause internationally.
In the wake of the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, various segments of Bangladeshi society, including religious organizations, political parties, university students, and workers’ unions, organized a series of street demonstrations against Israel.
Bangladesh’s Aid Mission to Gaza
On October 23, 2023, Bangladesh dispatched aid to address the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people following the bombing of the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. The initial aid shipment, weighing 587 kilograms, was sent to Egypt via a regular Egypt Airways flight. Coordination between Bangladesh’s Embassy in Cairo and Egyptian and Palestinian authorities facilitated the transit of the aid.
In 2024, Bangladesh once again extended support to Gaza during Ramadan by sending food and medical supplies. Abdel-Alim Kashta, spokesperson for Al-Azhar Zakat and Charity informed that 2,000 tons of relief goods arrived in Gaza via 100 trucks from various countries. Among these donations, Bangladesh contributed the largest amount, alongside contributions from 8 other nations.
Praise from Anti-Women Rights Country: What Could This Mean?
Criticism directed at Iran for its treatment of women notwithstanding, the scholar’s praise doesn’t necessarily echo the official stance of the Iranian government on women’s rights. It’s crucial to recognize that individuals within a nation can hold diverse viewpoints that may diverge from their government’s positions.
Notably, the nationwide uprising that erupted on September 16, 2022, was spearheaded by women and girls. Tragically, of the 750 individuals killed by the regime’s repressive forces, a significant number were young women and girls, leading to the loss of at least 70 children.
The Iranian people, both men and women, expressed their demand for an end to religious dictatorship and the establishment of a democratic republic founded on the separation of religion and state and complete gender equality.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) President-elect Maryam Rajavi addressed a statement signed by 1,000 prominent women from 5 continents and 67 countries. This statement expressed solidarity with the courageous women of Iran and emphasized their pivotal role in the uprising. It included current and former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, ministers, parliamentarians, Nobel Prize Laureates, artists, and athletes.
However, the scholar’s admiration reflects an acknowledgment of Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic finesse and Bangladesh’s progress in fostering international alliances. This underscores the notion that despite disparities in their respective nations’ approaches to women’s rights, individuals can still value and applaud effective governance and advancements in other countries.
In a world often marked by strife and discord, Professor Dr. Sayed Mahdi Mousavi’s passionate plea for Muslim solidarity in the face of Gaza’s injustices shines brightly as a beacon of hope. His message emphasizes the pressing necessity for unity and collective action, transcending boundaries and differences in the name of humanity. Bangladesh’s unwavering support for Palestine echoes this sentiment, advocating for justice on the global platform and exemplifying compassion and leadership.
