March For Gaza

The "March for Gaza" culminated this afternoon at Dhaka's Suhrawardy Udyan with a unified proclamation of support with the Palestinian people and a clear call for worldwide action against continuous Israeli assault.

The event, organized by a coalition of civil society groups, student organizations, and human rights advocates, was in direct response to the ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in widespread civilian casualties, destruction of critical infrastructure, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of people gathered peacefully, waving banners, singing slogans, and demanding an end to what many characterized as war crimes and apartheid practices carried out with impunity.

Activists, intellectuals, and religious leaders delivered remarks condemning strong nations' silence and culpability in the face of ongoing brutality against Palestinians. Speakers urged the international community, notably the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to go beyond symbolic gestures and take binding, enforceable steps to hold the Israeli state responsible under international law.

Participants also asked Bangladesh's government to step up its diplomatic efforts, build partnerships with pro-Palestinian countries, and advocate for Palestinian statehood recognition at all international forums.

The gathering ended with a public reading of a proclamation calling for an immediate cease-fire, unimpeded humanitarian assistance access to Gaza, and an impartial inquiry into alleged war crimes. The "March for Gaza" was a powerful reminder that global civil society continues to oppose the normalization of occupation and systemic brutality, and that quiet is no longer an option in the face of injustice.The march at Suhrawardy Udyan was more than just a show of moral anger; it was also a deliberate political statement intended to break the narrative quiet surrounding the Gaza situation in South Asia. Organizers highlighted that this was not a one-time symbolic act, but the start of a long-term campaign to raise awareness, pressure countries, and confront diplomatic complacency. Placards reading "Ceasefire Now," "End the Occupation," and "Stop the Genocide in Gaza" emphasized the intensity and clarity of the protestors' demands.

Several speakers highlighted the historical linkages between Bangladesh and the Palestinian liberation movement, reminding the audience that Bangladesh was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine. In that setting, many claimed that quiet or neutrality is not only unacceptable, but also a betrayal of Bangladesh's foundational ideals of resistance to tyranny.

The declaration issued at the end of the programme included specific action points, such as calls for boycotts of companies involved in the occupation, an immediate review of Bangladesh's foreign policy toward Israel and Palestine, and the formation of a permanent civil society task force to monitor developments and coordinate solidarity efforts.

Above all, the gathering sent a strong message: public opinion in Bangladesh is no longer satisfied with professions of "deep concern." In an age of real-time war crimes broadcast throughout the world, anything less than vigorous opposition is complicity. The "March for Gaza" was a call for justice—and a warning to those who stay oblivious.

The momentum produced by the "March for Gaza" is anticipated to continue, as organizers have announced plans for follow-up actions including as statewide awareness campaigns, university seminars, and coordinated advocacy targeting diplomatic offices. In Bangladesh, there is also a rising drive to include the Palestinian struggle in educational and political debate. The tragedy has already reignited debate over Bangladesh's participation in global justice movements and its moral responsibilities in international relations. As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsens, Bangladeshi civil society has made it apparent that denunciation alone is insufficient—what is required now is accountability, solidarity, and continuous pressure.