Thousands of people from various parts of the country have taken to the Dhaka streets in solidarity with Palestine as part of a massive 'March for Gaza' campaign demanding an end to the ongoing conflict there.
Thousands gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday for the “March for Gaza,” originally planned as a rally. Starting at 3 PM, it featured slogans, solidarity from various political parties and a declaration by Mahmudur Rahman, editor, Amar Desh. Organizers urged peaceful participation, allowing only Bangladesh and Palestine flags, avoiding political symbols.
Mahmudur Rahman stated that the people of Bangladesh, carrying a legacy of resistance and struggle, have gathered today in solidarity with the fearless people of Gaza. This assembly is not just a protest, but a historical response, a vow, and a commitment. From this march and mass gathering, demands are being placed at four levels. Firstly, towards the United Nations and the international community, urging them to ensure justice against Israel’s genocide, to take concrete action beyond ceasefires, to enforce the return of lands occupied since before 1967, and to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
The declaration criticizes the global failure to stop the ongoing bloodshed and destruction in Gaza, noting that this is not just a failure of any single government but a collective failure of the global system. It condemns Western powers for providing military, financial, and diplomatic support to Israel, thus enabling its genocidal actions. Strong demands are made to the Muslim world and OIC to sever all relations with Israel, impose sanctions, extend full support to Gaza's people, and diplomatically isolate Israel. It also urges Muslim states to protest India's Hindutva regime for suppressing Muslim rights and interfering in religious properties, warning that Hindutva has become an ally of Zionism.
To the government of Bangladesh, the declaration demands reinstating the “Except Israel” clause in passports, cancelling all agreements with Israeli-linked entities, sending aid to Gaza, banning Zionist products in public procurement, and protesting the oppression of Muslims in India. It calls for educational reforms to include the history of Al-Aqsa, Palestine, and Muslim struggles, emphasizing that the state is not just a border, but a trust that must be upheld.
Finally, the declaration makes commitments to the people themselves: to boycott all entities supporting Israeli occupation, to raise a generation ready to defend Islamic values and identity, and to remain united against division. Gaza is seen as a mirror and a symbol of resistance, calling for solidarity not just in prayer but in preparation. The declaration ends by honoring Gaza’s martyrs and heroes, praying for their peace, and pledging continued solidarity from Bangladesh, standing firm from the land of Shahjalal and Shariatullah.
Participants entered the rally site through multiple gates near Ramna Kali Temple, TSC, and the Engineers' Institute, many carrying placards condemning Israeli actions and calling for Palestinian independence. The overwhelming turnout prompted authorities to implement special traffic management measures, with civilians volunteering to assist with traffic flow and security efforts.
More than 200 students from Dhaka College marched towards Suhrawardy Udyan at approximately 2:15 PM, proceeding from Hall Para through New Market, Nilkhet intersection, and under the Gate of Freedom and Democracy. Marchers chanted slogans including "Free Free Palestine" and "Muslims of the world, unite," while carrying Palestinian and Bangladeshi flags.
Abdur Rahman Adnan, secretary of Dhaka College's Islami Chhatra Shibir unit, stated: "This event will stand as a powerful example of building global public opinion for Palestine. People from all walks of life are participating. The entire nation is united in demanding the rights of the Palestinian people."
Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, media coordinator for the Palestine Solidarity Movement, confirmed that marches commenced from five different points—Banglamotor, Kakrail Intersection, Zero Point, Bakshibazar Intersection, and Nilkhet Intersection—at 2:00 PM, converging at the main venue by 3:00 PM.
He added that from the stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, a declaration in solidarity with Palestine will be read out in Bangla, English, and Arabic. This will be followed by a pledge to boycott Israeli interests, and the event will conclude with prayers and supplication.
Earlier in the day, around 12:30 PM, students from Suhrawardy College launched their own procession towards Suhrawardy Udyan, carrying an impressive 21-foot-long Palestinian flag. Participants chanted numerous slogans including "Naraye Takbeer, Allahu Akbar!" and "Stop the genocide in Palestine, it must end!"
Thirteen people suffered injuries following a head-on collision between two microbuses while travelling to the event. The accident occurred at 11:00 AM in the Baniajang Bus Stand area of Dhanbari, Tangail. Two critically injured victims were transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, while eleven others receive treatment at Jamalpur Hospital. No fatalities were reported.
The injured individuals included Md. Shafiqul, President of Islami Andolon, Madarganj Upazila Unit, alongside other members of the organisation. Anisur Ashekin, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) at Jamalpur Sadar Police Station, confirmed: "We received information about an accident in the morning. The incident took place in the Dhanbari area. Some of the injured are currently receiving treatment at Jamalpur Hospital."
Speaking at the rally, renowned Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azhari declared: "This sea of people reflects our deep love for Palestine and Al-Aqsa. Though we are geographically distant from them, today's massive gathering proves that there is a Palestine living inside each of our hearts."
At the rally, As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah said, “We may differ in opinion, but a free Palestine is their right. Every Bangladeshi, regardless of faith or background, stands in solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza, demanding an end to the injustice they face.”
BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, and Organizing Secretary Abdus Salam Azad joined the event. Also present were Jamaat Secretary General Prof. Mia Golam Parwar; Jatiya Nagorik Party's Joint Convenor Hasnat Abdullah; Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque; Jamaat Dhaka North Secretary General Rezaul Karim and South’s Shafiqul Islam Masud; Bangladesh Labour Party (faction) Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran; Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan; Nirapad Sarak Chai Chairman Ilias Kanchan; Mahmudul Hasan Sohag, chief executive officer at Rokomari and Jahidul Islam, Shibir president.
The formal programme began with Quranic recitations followed by expressions of solidarity. Organisers stated that the gathering, scheduled to continue until evening, aims to express support for Gaza, build global awareness, and advocate for humanitarian values.
From early morning, thousands headed to Suhrawardy Udyan for the 'March for Gaza.' As the ground filled, many gathered in nearby Ramna Park. Some, like Amzad Hossain and Abdur Razzak, couldn’t enter due to the crowd and stayed in Ramna, where nearly a thousand people assembled.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page of the Palestine Solidarity Movement has been posting video messages in support of the “March for Gaza” from well-known politicians, Islamic scholars, and celebrities. As of this afternoon, political leaders featured include Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar; Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim and Senior Joint Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman; AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman (Monju); Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Quader; Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque; Bangladesh National Party (BJP) Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha; Islami Oikya Jote Secretary General Maulana Sakhawat Hossain Raji; Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque and General Secretary Md. Rashed Khan; AP Bangladesh Chief Organizer Ali Ahsan Junayed; and National Citizen Party (NCP) Southern Region Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah.
Prominent Islamic speakers featured on the page include Mizanur Rahman Azhari; As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman Sheikh Ahmadullah; Ad-Din Foundation Executive Director Sheikh Mohiuddin; Olama Mashayekh Aemma Parishad General Secretary Rezaul Karim Abrar; Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman; and Islamic preacher Abdul Hai Muhammad Saifullah.
National cricket team players Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nahid Rana, and Taijul Islam have also shown support via video. Additionally, BUET lecturer and popular YouTuber Enayet Chowdhury; Daffodil International University professor Moktar Ahmed; Dr. Jahangir Kabir; Islamic scholar Allama Khalilur Rahman Nesarabadi of the Nesarbari Darbar Sharif in Jhalakathi; presenter RJ Kibria; entrepreneur Mahmudul Hasan Sohag; actor Tamim Mridha; and Ten Minute School founder Ayman Sadiq have sent messages.
The central leadership of Islami Chhatra Shibir has also expressed support through video, including Central President Zahidul Islam, Publications Secretary Md. Abu Sadiq Kayem, and Dhaka University unit president SM Farhad.
Traffic in Dhaka nearly collapsed due to the ‘March for Gaza’ rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, said DC Shafiqul Islam. Roads within a 3km radius were blocked. Even alternative routes became unusable. People flooded areas like Mouchak and Rampura, halting movement. Street vendors sold Palestinian flags and T-shirts near the venue.
