Representatives of political forums and religious platforms, along with hundreds of thousands of people under the banner of “Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh,” declared four sets of demands—addressed respectively to the United Nations (UN), the international community, Muslim nations and organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the government of Bangladesh—as a form of commitment after holding the “March for Gaza” program.
Core demands included an immediate end to the mass killings in Gaza—going beyond just a ceasefire; prosecution of Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC); severing of all diplomatic, economic, and military ties with Israel by Muslim governments; and the imposition of trade sanctions and boycotts without delay. Muslim nations were also urged to provide support to the people of Gaza, including medical aid, food, shelter, and means of defense.
The movement also called on the government of Bangladesh to reinstate the “Except Israel” clause on Bangladeshi passports, reaffirm the state’s refusal to recognize Israel, and take immediate steps to send medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza. It further demanded reforms in the national education policy to include the history of Palestine, Al-Aqsa, and the legacy of Muslim resistance, so that future generations grow up with a strong sense of justice, history, and responsibility.
Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh also urged a nationwide boycott of companies, products, and services that directly or indirectly support Israel’s actions—encouraging people to carry the spirit of Gaza into their homes, classrooms, culture, and economy.
The declaration was read out around 4pm on Saturday by Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Daily Amar Desh, while Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, presided over the program.
“Gaza’s martyrs are not only asking for our prayers—they are demanding our preparation. Let our silence not become our shame. Let this gathering mark the beginning of action, unity, and resistance—for Gaza, for Palestine, and for the dignity of the Ummah,” Mahmudur Rahman declared at the end.
Various political leaders and Islamic scholars were present at the program, including social activist Sheikh Ahmadullah, Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azhari, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, Hefazat Secretary General Allama Shaikh Sajidur Rahman, NCP Chief Organizer (South) Hasnat Abdullah, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, BNP Publication Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, former actor and activist Ilias Kanchan, and AB Party President Mojibur Rahman Monju.
Mass joining the program
Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh was joined by hundreds of thousands of people coming from all over the country, holding Palestinian flags and placards. Political parties, Islamic scholars, and people from all walks of life had earlier expressed solidarity with this program, which caused the spontaneous participation of the masses.
People started coming to Suhrawardy Udyan from early morning by bus, train, launch, metro rail, and even on foot to participate in the “March for Gaza.” Both the venue and the University of Dhaka became a conclave of people, resulting in a traffic jam all over the area.
Around the park, people were seen entering the gathering through the Ramna Kali Temple gate, the TSC adjacent gate, the Ramna Engineers Institute adjacent gate, and VIP gate.
By 11am, areas including Suhrawardy Udyan, Ramna Park, Matsya Bhaban, in front of the High Court, Dhaka University Curzon Hall, Central Library area, Shahbagh, Kataban, and Bangla Motor were completely packed with people.
Water tanks were spotted at various intersections throughout the capital and were provided to the people participating in the “March for Gaza” program.
Admission candidates facing crowd
Due to the cluster admission test 2025, many candidates arrived at the University of Dhaka, only to be caught in the large crowds gathered for the Gaza solidarity movement. As a result, some faced difficulties navigating the area and locating their exam halls.
Samia Tabassum, an admission candidate, told Dhaka Tribune that she had left early anticipating traffic congestion, but still arrived just as the exam was about to begin.
Another candidate, Sakibul Islam, said he struggled to find his examination centre because of the crowds. However, he added that he didn’t mind the delay if it was for a greater cause.
