Being Called Online, Massive March for Gaza Draws Thousands to Dhaka’s Streets
In response to Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, a massive crowd gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday morning, expressing solidarity with the ‘March for Gaza’ called by the online platform Palestine Solidarity Movement. The rally, scheduled to begin formally at 3:00 PM, had already drawn waves of people by early morning, transforming the park into a sea of demonstrators. While the Facebook event page had not yet gone live, various online, television, and print media outlets began streaming the scenes live via their respective platforms, joined by YouTubers and social activists.
Footage from the scene shows participants carrying Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags and placards bearing various protest slogans. Some wore protest banners tied around their heads; others waved flags high in the air, marching toward the central venue. The event aims to generate international awareness and humanitarian sympathy regarding Israel’s continued assault on Gaza. The roads around Dhaka University echoed with chants and religious slogans as participants made their way to the gathering point.
Around 9:00 AM, worshippers and members of the public were seen entering the venue through the gate behind the Raju sculpture at Dhaka University. With flags in one hand and protest placards in the other, participants—filled with anger and resolve—marched toward Suhrawardy Udyan. A significant number of women and children also joined the procession. Alongside ordinary citizens, members of political and social organizations including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizens' Party (NCP), and Hefazat-e-Islam also took part in the march.
Security personnel from the police, RAB, BGB, and the military were seen stationed at various checkpoints to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Organizers have confirmed that a solidarity declaration in Bengali, English, and Arabic will be read from the main stage at Suhrawardy Udyan. This will be followed by a pledge to boycott institutions and entities aligned with Israeli interests. The event will conclude with a prayer session.
According to the Facebook event page for ‘March for Gaza,’ hosted by the Palestine Solidarity Movement, Bangladesh, over 73,000 people had expressed interest in attending, with more than 6,300 confirming participation by Friday evening. However, by Saturday morning, turnout had already more than doubled.
Organizers stated this would be the largest pro-Palestine gathering ever held in Dhaka and called on people from all backgrounds to participate. The event will be presided over by Muhammad Abdul Malek, the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
In light of an ongoing investment conference and university admission tests taking place in Dhaka, organizers have adjusted the schedule. Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, the media coordinator of the Palestine Solidarity Movement, stated that five separate processions would begin at 2:00 PM from Bangla Motor, Kakrail Mor, Zero Point, Bakshibazar Mor, and Nilkhet Mor, all converging at Suhrawardy Udyan by 3:00 PM.
In a press release, organizers issued two special and four general directives. The two special directives are: the TSC Metro Station will remain closed on Saturday, and roadways will be specially managed for students appearing in entrance exams.
The four general guidelines are as follows: participants must carry essential personal items (such as water, umbrellas, and masks) and maintain cleanliness; uphold patience and discipline under all circumstances and cooperate fully with law enforcement and volunteers; avoid political insignia, carrying only the flags of Bangladesh and Palestine along with creative protest banners; and remain vigilant against any disruptive activities, working in coordination with security forces to counter them.
