Millions of people across Bangladesh took to the streets in the “March for Gaza,” voicing their outrage over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory. The massive demonstration, held in Dhaka and echoed in cities nationwide, marked one of the largest public mobilizations in recent memory, uniting people of all backgrounds under the common call for justice, peace, and an end to violence in Gaza.
The rally commenced at 3:00 PM local time, with participants arriving in processions from various parts of the capital. Waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Free, Free Palestine,” demonstrators expressed their outrage over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Symbolic coffins and effigies representing civilian casualties were carried, highlighting the protestors’ grief and resistance. Images of U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were also displayed and condemned, accusing them of supporting Israel’s actions.
The air was thick with chants, flags, and emotion as protestors—young and old, students, workers, religious scholars, civil society groups, and even local politicians—marched shoulder to shoulder through the heart of Dhaka, waving Palestinian flags and carrying banners that read “Stop the Genocide,” “Free Gaza Now,” and “End Israeli Occupation.” The scale of participation took even organizers by surprise, as waves of people continued to join the procession long after it had begun. From Shahbagh to Motijheel, the streets were filled with passionate voices demanding global accountability for the atrocities being witnessed in Gaza.
Organized by a coalition of student groups, humanitarian organizations, and activist networks, the March for Gaza was not just a symbolic protest but a clarion call to the international community. Organizers emphasized that the aim was not only to raise awareness but to pressure governments and global institutions to take concrete actions to end the violence and uphold international human rights standards. Speakers addressed the crowd from temporary stages and sound trucks, passionately condemning the disproportionate use of force by Israeli military operations and urging the United Nations to act decisively to protect civilians.
Prominent figures, including national cricket team members Mahmudullah Riyad and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, as well as Islamic scholars like Sheikh Ahmadullah and Mizanur Rahman Azhari, participated in the demonstration. Political parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh Party (ABP), Hefazat-e-Islam, and Jamaat-e-Islami expressed their solidarity through their presence.
The event culminated with a formal declaration read by Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, outlining specific demands directed at the United Nations, the international community, Muslim nations, and the Bangladesh government. These included calls for the prosecution of Israeli actions at the International Court of Justice, the reinstatement of the phrase “except Israel” on Bangladeshi passports, and the severance of all diplomatic and economic ties with Israel.
Among the protesters were several well-known public figures—poets, writers, actors, and social media influencers—who lent their voices to the cause. Their presence further amplified the message of the march, capturing attention both nationally and internationally. Some carried handmade signs with powerful statements such as “Your silence is violence” and “Children are not targets.” The overwhelming turnout served as a reminder of Bangladesh’s deep-rooted empathy with the Palestinian struggle, grounded in its own history of liberation and oppression.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yousef Y. Ramadan, lauded the march, stating that it would “go down in history” as a significant demonstration of global solidarity with the Palestinian people. In response to the protest, the Bangladeshi government reinstated the phrase “except Israel” on passports, aligning with one of the key demands of the demonstrators.