As Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip continue to escalate, so does the death toll. In response, and as a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people, a platform called Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh has organized a mass rally titled ''March for Gaza.''
Although the event is officially scheduled to begin at 3 pm on Saturday (April 12), large crowds have already begun gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan.
On the ground, people were seen arriving in processions — some coming from Shahbagh, others from Doel Chattar and Nilkhet — many carrying both Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags.
This reporter spoke with Touhidul Islam, who came from Uttara along with seven friends.
"What's happening in Palestine is absolutely heartbreaking. We feel helpless watching from afar," said Touhidul. "But we're here to show that we stand with them, even if it's just symbolically."
He added, "Thousands of young people like us have already arrived to express their support for Palestine."
Near the TSC gate, Nazmul Hossain was seen selling Palestinian flags.
"I’m not just here to sell flags,'' he said. "I came to stand against the oppression of Muslims. Since this morning, the crowds have been growing. Even though the rally starts in the afternoon, there's barely any space left on the streets already."
Nazmul continued, "The suffering of Palestinians touches the hearts of Muslims everywhere — that's why you see this massive turnout.''
Organizers say the rally aims to stand with innocent Palestinians and raise global awareness about the crisis. They expect hundreds of thousands of people from across the country to join.
Notable figures in the religious, social, cultural, political, and sports sectors have already publicly supported the event.
Several political and social organizations — including the BNP, National Citizen Party (NCP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hefazat-e-Islam — have also participated.
The rally will be presided over by Maulana Abdul Malek, the Khatib of Bangladesh's National Mosque, Baitul Mukarram.
