🇵🇸 Massive Rally in Dhaka: Tens of Thousands Protest Israeli Actions in Gaza

Dhaka, April 12, 2025 — The heart of Bangladesh’s capital transformed into a sea of Palestinian flags, placards, and passionate protestors as over 100,000 people gathered to denounce the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. The rally, held at the iconic Shahbagh intersection, marked one of the most significant public outcries in recent memory, uniting people across political, religious, and social lines.

Chants of “Free Palestine,” “Stop the Genocide,” and “Boycott Israeli Products” echoed through the streets, as demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and wore traditional keffiyehs. Organized by a broad coalition—including human rights activists, religious groups, and opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—the protest called on the international community to break its silence and take decisive action against what they labeled as war crimes in Gaza.

“This is a humanitarian catastrophe. We cannot and will not remain silent while innocent lives are lost,” said Maulana Karim Uddin, an influential religious leader, addressing the crowd.

The rally also took aim at global political leaders seen as complicit or inactive. Protestors carried effigies and posters criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—figures widely condemned in the region for their perceived support of Israeli policies.

While the demonstration remained peaceful, security was visibly high. Dhaka Metropolitan Police and members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed in large numbers to monitor the situation and ensure order. Despite the crowd’s intensity, no violence or arrests were reported.

A Legacy of Solidarity

Bangladesh has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. The nation does not recognize the state of Israel and has historically aligned its foreign policy with the interests of occupied Palestine. Friday’s protest further cemented the public’s unwavering support, with many seeing the plight of Palestinians as deeply resonant with Bangladesh’s own struggles for justice and independence.

Global Calls for Accountability

The rally in Dhaka reflects a broader wave of protests erupting across the Muslim world and beyond in response to the growing civilian death toll in Gaza. While international bodies have called for restraint, critics argue that real pressure on Israel remains absent.

“This is not just about politics. It’s about morality,” said Nasima Rahman, a university student who joined the rally. “The world needs to decide if it stands for justice—or for silence.”

Looking Ahead

As Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues, demonstrations like the one in Dhaka are expected to grow both in size and intensity. Bangladeshi leaders and protestors have vowed to keep pressure on international forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take concrete steps toward halting the violence.