Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef S.Y. Ramadan has expressed deep appreciation for the country’s resounding support for Palestine amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
In an exclusive interview with Banglanews at the Palestinian Embassy in Dhaka on April 15, Ambassador Ramadan welcomed Bangladesh’s recent move to reinstate the “except Israel” clause in passports and praised the massive public demonstrations expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Below is the interview in question-and-answer format:
Banglanews: Millions of people across Bangladesh have recently taken to the streets in support of Palestine. How do you view this widespread public solidarity?
Ambassador: What we’ve witnessed in Bangladesh since April 7 is a powerful and clear stance in support of Palestine. The people of Bangladesh have chosen not to remain neutral between justice and injustice, but to stand firmly with the oppressed. Their solidarity gives us strength and determination to continue our struggle.
This unwavering support sends a strong message — that Palestinians are not alone. We deeply appreciate the solidarity, and as the ambassador, I feel immensely proud to be in Bangladesh during this moment
Banglanews: While the humanitarian crisis like genocide in Gaza is underway, many observers point to a muted response from several Arab governments. How do you interpret this silence?
Ambassador: "It is tragic that this genocide is unfolding in real time, yet much of the world remains silent — and in some cases, complicit. This is not just an Arab failure; the international community as a whole has failed to act.
Despite widespread rhetoric about human rights and democracy, the global response has been starkly inadequate. Palestinians are not only fighting for their own freedom, but for humanity itself — against oppression and injustice.
While the suffering continues and 17,000 of our children die, the world watches. The international system, it seems, has been hijacked — and we must continue our struggle alone, regardless of the cost."
Banglanews: The United Nations has faced criticism for its limited ability to act decisively on the Palestine issue. What is your assessment of the UN’s role?
Ambassador: The United Nations, in our view, is making sincere efforts and remains one of the few institutions we still hold in high regard. They are doing what they can, often under incredibly difficult circumstances. Tragically, over 130 UN staff members have lost their lives since the start of this aggression — a clear sign they, too, are paying a heavy price.
However, the UN's ability to act is severely restricted. The institution has been largely hijacked, unable to exercise its full mandate. Most notably, the United States has repeatedly used its veto power to shield Israel, undermining the Security Council and effectively paralyzing any meaningful action. This is the unfortunate reality we are facing — an international system constrained by politics, despite its moral obligations.
Banglanews: Bangladesh recently reinstated the phrase 'except Israel' in its passport — a move that was previously reversed by the current government. How do you respond to this policy shift?
Ambassador: The phrase "except Israel" has been in Bangladeshi passports since 1972 and remained there until 2022. At the time of its removal, I did everything in my capacity to reverse the decision — including meeting with the Home Minister. I made it clear that such a move, while Palestinian blood was still being shed in Gaza, would be seen as a reward to the occupier. Unfortunately, I was only able to delay the decision, not stop it.
But what happened last week was nothing short of a miracle. The reinstatement of the phrase is more than symbolic — it’s a powerful declaration of solidarity from the people of Bangladesh to the people of Palestine. It reflects unwavering support and resistance against injustice.
Combined with the historic demonstrations by nearly two million people in Dhaka, these actions sent a strong, clear message that was deeply appreciated in Palestine. We are truly grateful to both the people and the interim government of Bangladesh for standing with us.
Banglanews: The crisis in Palestine has persisted for decades. In your view, what would be the most viable path toward a lasting resolution?
Ambassador: This is the million-dollar question — how can the crisis be resolved? The truth is, if the Israeli occupation genuinely wanted a resolution, it would be easy. But they don’t. Backed fully by the United States, they continue to wield power over justice.
We’ve been in negotiations since 1990 — 35 years — and in that time, nothing has changed except more Palestinian bloodshed and land loss. We only demand 22% of historical Palestine to establish our state, while Israel keeps 78%. Even that is rejected.
The issue is not about right or wrong — it's about power and powerlessness. Israel’s expansionist ideology, rooted in a vision of ‘Greater Israel’, makes peace impossible as long as this mindset prevails.
Banglanews: Some analysts argue that internal divisions between Hamas and Fatah have hindered progress on the Palestinian cause. While efforts were made to reconcile last year under Chinese mediation, what is your perspective on the current state of unity?
Ambassador: The division between Fatah and Hamas is a painful chapter in our history — one that lacks justification. But it's not the reason the Palestinian issue remains unresolved. That’s an Israeli excuse we must avoid accepting.
Both sides want the same goal — our homeland — but differ in methods. Fatah believes in peaceful negotiations, even after decades of armed struggle. Hamas, on the other hand, believes armed resistance is the only path. War, however, comes at a heavy cost.
We call for unity under the umbrella of the PLO, the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Let the people decide through elections. Our commonalities far outweigh our differences. We must unite to face our true adversary — the occupation.
Let me add this — just as Bangladesh stands with us, we too love and admire Bangladesh. We dream of seeing Bangladesh emerge as a powerful nation — economically, democratically, and in global stature. You are a great people, and we are proud of your support. My two greatest hopes: the liberation of Palestine, and the rise of a prosperous Bangladesh.
BDST: 2019 HRS, APR 20, 2025
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