Dhaka is set to witness today (April 12) a massive "March for Gaza", called by the Palestine Solidarity Movement, condemning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and Rafah.

The demonstration will culminate in a rally at Dhaka’s historic Suhrawardy Udyan around 3 pm. 

Major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have pledged support for the event.

According to Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, the movement’s media coordinator, processions will begin at 2 pm from five key points—Bangla Motor, Kakrail, Zero Point, Bakshibazar, and Nilkhet—before converging at Suhrawardi Udyan. A BNP delegation, led by Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, will join the march from Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman, in a Facebook post, called for peaceful participation while warning against efforts to undermine the protest’s legitimacy.

Initially planned for Manik Mia Avenue, organizers shifted the venue to avoid disrupting an ongoing investment summit in the capital.

A day earlier, thousands gathered outside Baitul Mukarram after Friday prayers, denouncing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The demonstration, organized by Islami Jubo Andolan Bangladesh, drew supporters from various religious and political groups.

Speakers accused Israel of genocide, citing alleged violations of international law and claiming over 60,000 Palestinian casualties, including women and children. They criticized global bodies like the UN and OIC for failing to take decisive action.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Palestinian authorities, Israel’s offensive since October 2023 has killed at least 50,800 Palestinians as of last Wednesday.

BDST: 0930 HRS, APR 12, 2025
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