Mass rally in Suhrawardy demanding the liberation of Palestine

In solidarity with the people of Palestine, thousands have gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan this Saturday (April 12) for the “March for Gaza.” The mass rally is protesting Israel’s attacks and ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event is set to run from 3 pm until before the Maghrib prayers.

In solidarity with the people of Palestine, thousands have gathered at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan this Saturday (April 12) for the “March for Gaza.” The mass rally is protesting Israel’s attacks and ongoing genocide in Gaza. The event is set to run from 3 pm until before the Maghrib prayers.

By midday, the Suhrawardy Udyan had already come alive with chants, flags, and placards. People from across the country started arriving early in the morning. As the day progressed, the crowds kept growing. Many marched in from Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and Nilkhet, carrying Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags and signs with bold slogans.

Key roads across the city, including Baitul Mukarram, Kawran Bazar, Elephant Road, Banglamotor, Kakrail Intersection, Zero Point, Bakshibazar, and Nilkhet, saw heavy foot traffic as people made their way toward the gathering. Some came on foot, others by bus, metro rail, or even rented pickup trucks. Their purpose was to stand in solidarity with the innocent people of Palestine.

Among the participants was Hasan Shikder, a private university student from Mirpur. Speaking to Bonik Barta on his way to the event with friends, he said, “What’s happening in Palestine is heartbreaking. We can’t do much from here, but this march is our way of showing that we’re with them.”

According to Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, media coordinator of the organizing group Palestine Solidarity Movement, five separate marches began from Banglamotor, Kakrail intersection, Zero Point, Bakshibazar, and Nilkhet. All groups are set to converge at Suhrawardy Udyan by 3 pm.

Organizers say this is expected to be the largest pro-Palestine rally ever held in Dhaka. They are calling on people from all political and social backgrounds to join.

Meanwhile, law enforcement has ramped up security in and around Suhrawardy Udyan for the event. From early morning, personnel from the army, police, RAB, and plainclothes detectives have been deployed to maintain order and monitor the area.

Bonik Barta reporters observed a heavy police presence at Banglamotor, Shahbagh, TSC, Doel Chattar, and around Matsya Bhaban. Several checkpoints have also been set up at the entry points to Suhrawardy Udyan.

Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman of DMP’s media division said the police are taking all necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety. “So far, the situation is under control. We’re aware that a large gathering is expected, and we’re fully prepared for it,” he said.