Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
The "March for Gaza" program, called in protest against the brutal genocide carried out by Israeli forces in Palestine’s Gaza, concluded with a collective prayer after the reading of a declaration pledging solidarity with the people of Gaza.
On Saturday, the event, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh, came to an end in the presence of millions at the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan, reports UNB.
The declaration was read on behalf of everyone by Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman.
The declaration urged leaders of the Muslim world to sever all ties with Israel. It also demanded an immediate end to Israeli aggression in Gaza.
Following this, the program concluded around 4:15pm with a prayer led by the khatib of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, Mufti Abdul Malek.
Earlier, thousands of people of all ages from across the capital gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan, joining in small and large processions to take part in the program.
People, including students, chanted slogans like "1 2 3 4, occupation no more," "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" among others.
Protesters were seen carrying a 70-ft flag of Palestine and various placards denouncing mass killing in Gaza and demanding a free Palestine.
People from all walks of life, leaders and activists of political parties, social organizations came together in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Artists, poets and popular social media influencers also joined the program to raise bold voices against the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Speakers at the rally called on world leaders to bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other architects of the atrocities to justice.
Political leaders present at the event demanded international accountability and immediate action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.
At the mass gathering, Sheikh Ahmadullah, chairman of As-Sunnah Foundation, said: “We may have differences of opinion on various issues. But a free Palestine and the rights of its people are indisputable. We, the people of Bangladesh, regardless of religion or ethnicity, express our solidarity with the people of Gaza and demand an end to the oppression.”
At that time, Islamic speaker Mizanur Rahman Azhari called upon the audience to chant slogans in solidarity with their Palestinian brothers.
Additional security arrangements were taken centering the rally to ensure law and order situation while traffic police also took measures including diversion on certain roads to manage traffic flow, said Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Talebur Rahman.
