Staff Correspondent

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a non-governmental and non-profit organization, organized a protest rally at Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday to condemn the killing of children, women, and innocent civilians in Gaza.

Representatives from various child rights and human rights organizations, as well as individuals and youths, participated in the rally to voice their protest against the horrifying killing spree.

The protesters called on all relevant authorities to take immediate action to implement a ceasefire and ensure the safety and security of women, children, and innocent civilians in the conflict-ridden area.

At the beginning of the rally, MJF's Programme Coordinator, Ruma Sultana, read out a written statement citing the gruesome atrocities in the area.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of the MJF said, “Although we are against attacks on innocent civilians by Hamas, the present disproportionate response of Israel towards the people of Gaza has left us shocked. Every day we see on television the horrific images of Kafon clad dead bodies of small children and the heart-rending cries of mothers. We see houses, hospitals and schools destroyed by Israeli bombing leaving scores of people trapped under the rubble or made homeless.”

Refereeing to the UN Secretary General remarks that Gaza will soon be turned into a “graveyard of children” if this continues, she said, “Today we are joining the voices of millions across the world to stop this atrocity on children and innocent civilians which is nothing less than genocidal.”

Citing reports from many international media, she said that a child is killed every 10 minutes in Gaza while thousands are injured.

UN Women's Wing reports that around 750,000 women and girls are displaced and there are 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza with no hope of getting adequate medical services. While children are not responsible for the conflict they and women are its worst victims.

Rasheda K Chowdhury, former advisor to the caretaker government and Executive Director of CAMPE, underscored the urgent need to halt the ongoing war, emphasising that three generations had already witnessed the brutality of war and it was crucial to spare the current generation from the same ordeal.

Executive Director of Awaj Foundation, Nazma Akter, condemned the inhumane actions in Palestine, stating that they constituted a violation of human rights.

She questioned the silence of global human rights organizations and urged for immediate steps to address the situation, advocating for justice and a free Palestine.

Among others, Sanjida Khanam from Kormojibi Nari, Sidul from CAMPE, Rijul from Avas, and Shamima from Taranga Mahila KallyanSongstha also spoke at the event.