President Mohammed Shahabuddin, file photo.

Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation : President Mohammed Shahabuddin has given the following message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People :
“On the solemn occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people, I firmly reaffirm Bangladesh’s continued support and solidarity to the people and government of Palestine.
Bangladesh as an independent nation always believes in freedom, peace and democracy. We are also the largest contributing country in UN peace keeping mission. I believe, war cannot bring peace rather destruction and human right violation. Bangladesh has unwavering support towards the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people of self-determination and establishment of the State of Palestine based on a two-state solution. Bangladesh never supports violation of human rights anywhere in the world. We always follow the ideology of secularism and peace guided by our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the principles enshrined in our constitution. The people of Bangladesh would remain devoted to the solidarity of Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have been deprived of their legitimate rights of self-determination for more than fifty-six years.
Bangladesh strongly condemn the continued atrocities and bombing at the residential areas and hospitals of Gaza causing death and injury of thousand of innocent Palestinian civilians, including women, children, and elderly persons, and the systematic gross violations of human rights against the Palestinian people. Bangladesh denounces the illegal settlements, including the expansion plans and any other action by the occupying force violating international humanitarian law. We demand for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Palestine as a whole.
Bangladesh does not support war. We believe in peaceful solution of every crisis through dialogue. Bangladesh always stands by the people and the government of Palestine.
I urge upon the international community and humanitarian organizations to work in a body for humanity, just and righteousness. Let us work for the Palestinian people to give them a safe, fearless and dignified life in their sovereign motherland.
Long live Palestine Bangladesh friendship.
Joi Bangla.
Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever.”