Students, universities, and political parties have announced programmes in solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza.

Today's programmes include strikes in educational institutions and workplaces and demonstrations in the capital and other cities, denouncing the ongoing genocide and mass destruction in Gaza.

The announcements follow a global call to action by Palestinian activists, urging schools, universities, offices, and courts to shut down simultaneously to demand an immediate end to the violence.

In response, students from dozens of institutions across the country announced the suspension of academic activities. Dhaka University (DU) and Rajshahi University (RU) authorities officially backed the strike.

Since Israel launched its offensive on Gaza -- a 365-square-kilometre enclave of 2.4 million people -- on October 7, 2023, at least 50,695 Palestinians have been killed and 115,338 others wounded. According to the United Nations, nearly 69 percent of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed or damaged.

According to Wafa news agency, the official news agency of the Palestinians, the call for today's strike was made, protesting the horrific massacres and crimes committed by Israeli forces. These include the killing of civilians, particularly children and women, and the widespread destruction aimed at displacing Palestinians from their homes.

A press release signed by Mohammad Rofiqul Islam, director of DU's Public Relations Office, said classes and exams would remain suspended today and university offices would be closed from 9:00am to 11:00am. A revised exam schedule will be announced later.

At least 12 DU departments, along with the Faculties of Law and Fine Arts and the Institute of Education and Research (IER), issued separate statements suspending academic activities in solidarity with the plight of the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, DU students under the banner Azad Palestine marched on campus around 7:30pm yesterday and held a gayebana janaza (funeral prayer in absentia) for Gaza's victims near TSC. The group also announced it will march to the US Embassy on Tuesday.

RU authorities, in a statement, condemned the violence in Gaza and urged the international community to act urgently. "As an academic institution committed to peace, justice, and human dignity, we call for immediate and effective steps to end the barbaric violence and protect civilians," the statement reads.

RU also announced upcoming protest programmes.

Students from several universities also joined the strike, including BRAC University, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Begum Rokeya University, Daffodil International University (DIU), Green University, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Khulna University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Noakhali Science and Technology University, among others.

People also expressed their solidarity on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, demanding an end to the violence, sharing updates on the situation in Gaza and calling for global pressure on Israel.

Political parties also announced solidarity programmes.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) described Israeli actions in Gaza and Rafah as "barbaric genocide". The JCD announced a separate protest programme for tomorrow.

JCD activists will stage a silent protest at 10:30am in front of educational institutions covering their mouths with black cloths. Marches from all institutions will follow at noon, culminating in protest rallies.

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser (North) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), posted on Facebook urging people to take to the streets. "As humans and as Muslims, it's not enough to condemn. Students across the country, regardless of their political affiliations, must unite against the Israeli killers," he wrote.

 Meghmallar Bosu, president of a faction of Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, posted a video urging students to join the strike by skipping classes and keeping campuses shut.

"We declare full and active support for the Global Strike called in protest against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Nationwide demonstrations will be held tomorrow [Monday], "said Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, in a statement.

Hefazat-e-Islam also urged the public to join the strike tomorrow after Zuhr prayers.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka South unit of Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Ulama Mashayekh Aimma Parishad announced a protest procession in the afternoon in response to the Gaza killings.

According to Al Jazeera, Israeli strikes have killed at least 46 Palestinians in the past 24 hours alone.