Dhaka: Tens of thousands of people today thronged the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital to attend the ‘March for Gaza’ rally in protest against Israeli genocide in Palestine. People from all ages – from children to elderly – attended the mammoth rally. Every inch of the venue was filled with protesters, leading to an overflow into the adjacent streets.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the air was filled with slogans such as ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’, ‘One, Two, Three, Four, Genocide No More’ and ‘Free Free Palestine.’ Traffic movement in surrounding areas including Shahbag, Banglamotor, Science Lab, Paribag, Katabon, Bata Signal, Nilkhet, Bakhsi Bazar, Chankharpul, Purana Paltan, and Kakrail was paralyzed for hours due to the massive turnout.
Although the program began at 3:00pm, attendees started gathering at the venue since morning, carrying banners and festoons condemning Israel and its allies for the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, including children and women. Maulana Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, presided over the program, which saw participation from leaders and activists of political parties including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, as well as cultural and social organizations.
The protesters demanded an immediate end to the crimes against humanity committed by Israel. As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman Sheikh Ahmadullah emphasized unity for Palestinian freedom, stating that an independent state is the right of the Palestinians and expressing solidarity with them. Islamic speaker Mizanur Rahman Azhari highlighted the strong emotional connection Bangladeshis feel for Palestine and Al-Aqsa.
Mahmudur Rahman, Editor of Daily Amar Desh, read out a declaration at the rally placing five demands to the United Nations and the international community. These included trial proceedings of Israel in the International Court of Justice, collective efforts to stop the genocide, an end to Israeli occupation, recognition of East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital, and the establishment of its sovereignty. He also urged Muslim world leaders to sever ties with Israel, impose sanctions, and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The demonstration also called on the Bangladeshi government to restore the ‘Except Israel’ clause on passports and send relief materials to Gaza. Additionally, they demanded protests against Indian oppression of its Muslim community and the inclusion of Palestinian struggle history in textbooks. The ‘March for Gaza’ concluded around 4:15 pm with prayers for peace in Gaza, conducted by Baitul Mukarram Khatib Mufti Abdul Malek. Notable attendees included BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Prof Mia Golam Parwar, and others.