Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Sept 14, 2025 (BSS) – Performing arts and poetry recitation was held in the capital city on Friday protesting the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel’s brutal blockade.

The event, titled “Live and Love,” was organized by London Rose and Bhavjog at the Inqilab Cultural Centre in Banglamotor, said a press release here today. 

Artist Sayla Simi Noor, in her opening remarks, said, “To break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, 100 ships from 44 countries, led by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, set sail on August 31. 

Hundreds of human rights activists from six continents joined the humanitarian aid mission ‘Global Sumud Flotilla.’

“Despite drone attacks on the convoy, they continued. We stand in solidarity with this global effort from Bangladesh,” she added.

The keynote speaker, poet Zahir Hasan, said, “By labeling the people of Gaza as animal, Israel has been carrying out a horrific genocide in front of the whole world. And yet, those of us who call ourselves human remain asleep.” He also recited translated poems of Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha.

The performing arts segment symbolically portrayed Israel’s occupation.

Drawing the reality of Gaza, in the performance act, a guest, invited by the homeowner, throws stones at the host amidst a pile of rubble. The guest then forcefully takes over the house while the homeowner pleads for help from the public—who remain silent. Eventually, the homeowner stands up but cannot resist for long.

The piece was performed by Sayla Simi Noor and poet Poliyar Wahid.

Among others present were poet and activist Didarul Bhuiyan, journalists Shakil Mahmud, Shams Arefin, M.A. Momen, Sanaullah Sagar, Shoaib Ibrahim, Jasimuddin Sumona, Munia Mahmud, Fahim Faisal, photographer Kallol Karmakar, Dr. Al Fahad, Shahin Parvez, Abu Sufian, Farhad H. Majumdar, Zahed Niyogi, Zakir Hossain, Anwar Hossain, Shahabuddin, Enayetur Rahman, Faisal M. Sifat, Hasan Faisal, and Jasim Biswas, among others.

The program concluded with a prayer led by Abdul Gani, a student of Tejgaon Madrasa, for the martyrs of Gaza and oppressed people around the world.