In a powerful show of support for the Palestinian people, hundreds of thousands of people from across Bangladesh gathered under the banner of Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh on Saturday for the “March for Gaza” program at Suhrawardy Udyan, issuing a four-point declaration demanding global action and national reforms.
The declaration, addressed separately to the United Nations, the international community, Muslim nations and organizations like the OIC, and the government of Bangladesh, called for urgent steps to halt what was described as genocide in Gaza and to ensure justice through international legal channels.
The movement’s key demands include:
- An immediate and unconditional end to the mass killings in Gaza, beyond just a ceasefire;
- Prosecution of Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC);
- A complete severance of diplomatic, military, and economic ties with Israel by all Muslim-majority nations;
- Immediate trade sanctions, boycotts, and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including food, medicine, shelter, and defense support.
Domestically, the movement urged the government of Bangladesh to reinstate the “Except Israel” clause on passports, reaffirm its stance against recognizing Israel, and dispatch medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza. It also called for reforms in national education to include Palestine’s history and the legacy of resistance.
At around 4 pm, the formal declaration was read out by Daily Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman. Presiding over the event was Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
“Gaza’s martyrs are not only asking for our prayers—they are demanding our preparation,” Rahman declared. “Let this gathering mark the beginning of action, unity, and resistance—for Gaza, for Palestine, and for the dignity of the Ummah.”
Prominent political figures and Islamic scholars joined the stage, including BNP leaders, representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlish, Hefazat-e-Islam, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and noted religious speakers like Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Sheikh Ahmadullah. Social activist and former actor Ilias Kanchan and AB Party President Mojibur Rahman Monju were also present.
A Sea of Support
From early morning, people began arriving in Dhaka by buses, trains, launches, metro rail, and on foot. Holding Palestinian flags and placards, they gathered in and around Suhrawardy Udyan, turning the entire area—stretching from Ramna Park and Matsya Bhaban to Shahbagh and Bangla Motor—into a human sea.
Participants entered the venue through gates near Ramna Kali Temple, TSC, the Engineers Institute, and the VIP section. By midday, major streets and intersections were completely packed. Water tanks were placed across Dhaka to provide relief to attendees under the scorching sun.
BOB Post
