The ‘March for Gaza,’ a massive demonstration organised to protest Israel’s brutal atrocities in Gaza, concluded on Saturday (April 12) with tens of thousands of participants vowing unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
The historic gathering took place at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, drawing an unprecedented turnout that underscored the nation’s solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.
The programme officially commenced at 3:15pm with the recitation of the Quran by renowned Qari Ahmad bin Yusuf, setting a solemn and spiritual tone for the event.
Prominent religious scholars, including Sheikh Ahmadullah and Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari, then addressed the crowd, urging participants to maintain order while raising powerful slogans in support of Palestine.
Thousands of Palestinian flags fluttered in the air as chants reverberated across the venue, creating an electrifying atmosphere of unity and resolve.
Organised by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh, the rally was presided over by Mufti Abdul Malek, the Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.
By 2:00pm, Suhrawardy Udyan was already filled to its brim, with surrounding areas such as Shahbagh, Dhaka University, Ramna Park, Doyel Chattar, and Gulistan transformed into vibrant hubs of pro-Palestinian sentiment as throngs of people poured in from all directions.
Unlike traditional rallies, this event did not feature speeches from dignitaries or political leaders. Instead, Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the daily Amar Desh, read out a powerful declaration titled the ‘March for Gaza.’ The declaration called for:
- Muslim world leaders to sever all ties with Israel.
- Immediate action to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza.
- A global boycott of Israeli products.
This concise yet impactful statement resonated deeply with the crowd, reinforcing their commitment to the Palestinian cause.
At 4:15pm, the mass gathering concluded with a collective prayer led by Mufti Abdul Malek. The prayer served as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that binds people across borders and religions. As the event drew to a close, a profound sense of love, compassion, and solidarity for the Palestinian people remained etched in the hearts of millions who attended.
The ‘March for Gaza’ witnessed participation on an extraordinary scale, with several hundred thousand people attending to express their solidarity with Palestine. The sheer magnitude of the turnout reflected not only Bangladesh’s deep empathy for the Palestinian struggle but also its determination to amplify global calls for justice and peace.