Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser (CA), reaffirmed Bangladesh’s steadfast dedication to justice, freedom, and peace as well as its support for the Palestinian people’s pursuit of the full realization of their inherent rights and their aspirations for a life that is secure, stable, and honorable.

In a message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Dr. Yunus stated that Bangladesh is steadfastly supporting the Palestinian people in their legitimate fight for statehood and self-determination.

“Our nation has always been steadfast in supporting a just solution that upholds the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, rooted in the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he added.

He said the call for self-determination resonates deeply with the people of Bangladesh, who recently experienced a People’s Revolution.

One of the most poignant images from the Revolution captures a sea of triumphant people, united in solidarity, with the flags of Bangladesh and Palestine kept side by side, he added.

Dr Yunus said the ongoing violence by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza has inflicted unprecedented suffering, especially on women and children.

UN Children and Armed Conflict reports indicate that in the past year alone, over five times more Palestinian children were killed in Gaza than in the entire period from 2005 to 2022, he added.

He said this ongoing tragedy is a profound affront to humanity as a whole, Palestinians are not expendable people, and those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable.

“Bangladesh calls urgently for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to protect innocent lives, particularly women and children, who are most vulnerable in this conflict,” he added.

Prof Yunus said the UN and the international community must act decisively to realize the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

He said Bangladesh firmly believes that the illegal occupation of Palestinian land must end, allowing the Palestinian people their right to an independent state.

“This position was recently reinforced by the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on July 19, 2024, declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and in violation of international law,” he added.