Defying the scorching midday sun of late Chaitra, some hold the flag of the oppressed people of Palestine while others carry protest placards. Voices echo with the slogan: “Who are you? Who am I? Palestine, Palestine.” This is the current scene at the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.
The 'March for Gaza' event officially began shortly after 3 pm with a recitation from the Quran, presided over by Maulana Abdul Malek, the Khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.
On the ground, Suhrawardy Udyan has taken on the spirit of a distant Palestine. Every corner is filled with supporters holding Palestinian flags and placards condemning the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza. Announcements from the main stage confirmed that the venue had reached full capacity, urging attendees to remain seated wherever they were.
People from all walks of life have poured into the venue since early morning, transforming the streets of Dhaka into a river of solidarity leading to Suhrawardy Udyan. The rally has drawn a diverse crowd, including religious scholars, political leaders, activists, and general citizens.
Among the notable figures present are renowned Islamic scholar Dr Mizanur Rahman Azhari, popular Islamic speaker Shaykh Ahmadullah, and Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is represented by Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, and Abdus Salam Azad.
Leaders from other political organizations have also joined the program, including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Dhaka North Secretary Rezaul Karim, South Secretary Shafiqul Islam Masud, a faction of the Bangladesh Labour Party led by Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan.
Organizers announced that a declaration of solidarity will be read from the stage in Bangla, English, and Arabic. The event will conclude with prayers and a special supplication for the Palestinian people.
Although the event was scheduled to begin at 3 pm, crowds began arriving in the morning, many carrying flags of Bangladesh and Palestine, as well as signs and banners demanding justice and peace.
Organizers stated that the objective of the rally is to express unwavering support for the innocent people of Palestine and to amplify global awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They expect participation to reach several hundred thousand.
