"Miss you, Hitler. We need an islamic soldier like Hitler" at pro-Palestine demonstration in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Recent pro-Palestinian protests in Bangladesh have drawn significant attention, with large crowds gathering to express solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

On Saturday, an estimated 100,000 to over 1 million demonstrators rallied in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Park, organized by groups like the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted slogans such as “Free, Free Palestine,” and called for a boycott of Israeli-linked products, targeting businesses like KFC, Bata, and Pizza Hut.

The event was described as one of the largest Gaza solidarity rallies in Bangladesh’s recent history. Political figures, celebrities, and influencers joined, urging global leaders to hold Israeli officials accountable. Demonstrators also demanded the reinstatement of a passport clause barring travel to Israel, reflecting Bangladesh’s official stance of supporting Palestinian statehood and maintaining no diplomatic ties with Israel.

However, earlier protests on April 7, 2025, turned violent in multiple cities, including Dhaka. Thousands denounced Israel’s actions, but mobs vandalized outlets of brands perceived as pro-Israel, leading to at least 72 arrests for looting and vandalism. Bangladesh’s interim chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, condemned the violence while reiterating support for Palestine, stating that police would act against those responsible for the unrest. Protesters during these rallies threw stones and slippers at Israeli flags and burned effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protests have sparked controversy, notably with a placard at a Dhaka rally reading, “Miss you, Hitler. Need an Islamic soldier like Hitler,” prompting criticism for invoking Nazi rhetoric.

The sign reignited discussions about historical references to Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler’s documented fascination with Islam, as noted in historical accounts. According to writings from the era, Hitler expressed admiration for Islam’s emphasis on strength and martyrdom, contrasting it with Christianity’s perceived focus on weakness. In a 1944 speech, Himmler similarly praised Islam as a "practical and attractive religion for soldiers," citing its promise of paradise for martyrs. Hitler reportedly described Islam as a "religion for men," better suited to the "Germanic temperament" than Christianity, which he criticized as meek and flawed.

Whatever they thought or felt about Islam is immaterial. Invoking Hitler to your cause shows exactly who you are who you want to be, a sociopathic mass murderer who enjoyed causing horrific deaths of 10 million people, 6 million of whom were Jews.