Dhaka – Kudos, a popular fast-food chain in Dhaka, has sparked a local awareness campaign by displaying the Palestinian flag on its coffee cups as a gesture of solidarity. The move comes in response to major US food brands and chains expressing support for the Israeli military following its recent offensive against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
With 18 branches in the Bangladeshi capital, Kudos changed its logo colors to black, white, green, and red on November 1. It also started printing the pre-1947 map of Palestine on its cups, which now read “In Solidarity With Palestine.” The initiative aims to counteract the indirect promotion of Israeli aggression by certain fast-food brands through their packaging.
Hisham bin Mohammad Mustafa, head of business at Kudos, explained the motivation behind the campaign, stating, “It’s not a matter of business. We just wanted to do something.” The initiative has resonated with the local community, drawing individuals like Natasha Ahmed from the upscale Bashundhara area to visit the cafe. For Ahmed, the campaign serves as a reminder not to ignore the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have claimed the lives of over 14,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in the past five weeks.
She praised Kudos for its bold and precise approach, stating, “Every time I hold their coffee cup and look at the lines on the wrapper, it reminds me of the faces of innocent Palestinian children who lost their lives in the last one and a half months.”
Similarly, Mohammad Jamil, a recent graduate from the Badda area, sees the campaign as a powerful symbol that he hopes will inspire others. He believes it helps keep the plight of the Palestinian people in the forefront of people’s minds, saying, “The initiative might be a small one, but I believe it may inspire many others to do the same in their own way.”
Kudos staff members also express their pride and support for the campaign. Syed Jayedul Huq, the cafe’s head, stated, “As a Muslim and a member of the Kudos family, I feel very proud to be a part of this initiative.” The sense of solidarity extends beyond religious lines, as exemplified by Limon Halder, a Kudos waiter from the Hindu community. Halder emphasized that standing against oppression is a moral obligation, regardless of one’s background, and expressed hope that more businesses in the country would follow suit.
The solidarity campaign launched by Kudos in Dhaka demonstrates the power of corporate initiatives in raising awareness and promoting solidarity with the Palestinian cause. By taking a stand against oppression, the fast-food chain has inspired both its employees and customers, fostering a sense of unity and empathy in the local community.
