Khairul Alam, Dhaka: A platform called “Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh” organized a “March for Gaza” at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, the capital city, in support of Gaza.
While the program was scheduled to begin at 3 PM on Saturday, people from various professions and districts across the country started arriving at Suhrawardy Udyan from the early morning. Many participants were seen carrying Palestinian flags and placards with various slogans.
Visiting the areas surrounding Suhrawardy Udyan in the morning, it was observed that participants were entering the rally through various gates, including the Ramna Kali Mandir gate, the TSC-adjacent gate, the Ramna Engineers Institute-adjacent gate, and the VIP gate, in continuous processions.
They chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Gaza bleeds, why is the world silent?” and “Who are you, who am I? Palestine, Palestine.”
The program received solidarity from almost all political parties, including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, as well as religious scholars and people from all walks of life. As a result, the Udyan was filled with people from the morning due to spontaneous participation.
By 11 AM, Suhrawardy Udyan, Ramna Park, Matsya Bhaban, the area in front of the High Court, Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall, the Central Library area, Shahbagh, Katabon, and Banglamotor were densely populated. No vehicles were seen moving in these areas, and rickshaws were also stopped.
Water tanks were seen at various intersections in the capital, providing water to the participants of the “March for Gaza” program. No police were visible at various traffic points. However, the DMP’s traffic division reported that the traffic system had become ineffective due to the large crowd.
As the Udyan and its surrounding areas became full by noon, an announcement was made from the main stage, “Suhrawardy Udyan is full, please sit down wherever you are.” Following this, processions towards the Udyan were stopped.
Large crowds were seen in Dhaka University area, Nilkhet, New Market intersection, Azimpur bus stand, BUET area, Chankharpul, Gulistan, the surroundings of Baitul Mukarram, Zero Point, Paltan intersection, Dainik Bangla intersection, Fakirapul, Nayapaltan area, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Mouchak, Maghbazar, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar intersection, Banglamotor, Science Lab, and Katabon intersection. Traffic movement in these areas was halted.
DMP Traffic Police Deputy Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam said that the traffic system in Dhaka had become ineffective due to the “March for Gaza” program at Suhrawardy Udyan. No vehicles were moving in an area of approximately three kilometers surrounding Suhrawardy Udyan.
Meanwhile, stalls selling Palestinian flags, headbands, and T-shirts sprung up around the Udyan, attracting many attendees.