Thousands have begun gathering at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan ahead of today’s “March for Gaza” rally, set to begin at 3pm, to show solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Although the main event is scheduled for the afternoon, participants started arriving at the venue from early morning. Processions, both large and small, poured in from areas including Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and Nilkhet, filling the streets leading to the park.
Waving both the Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags, marchers carried their message of solidarity through the city. Organisers anticipate this will be Dhaka’s largest-ever gathering in support of Palestine, and have called on people from all walks of life to join, regardless of political affiliation.
Muhammad Abdul Malek, the khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, is scheduled to preside over the event.
According to Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, media coordinator for the newly-formed Palestine Solidarity Movement, processions from five key points—Bangla Motor, Kakrail intersection, Zero Point, Bakshi Bazar, and Nilkhet—will converge at Suhrawardy Udyan. Marches are expected to begin at 2pm, ahead of the main rally at 3pm.
“This is not just a rally; it is a united call for justice and freedom,” Maruf said.
Earlier plans for the march have undergone some changes, organisers noted, but they confirmed that the gathering will proceed with the updated schedule.