From Dhaka, for Gaza
"Who are you? Who am I? Palestine, Palestine!"
The slogan rang out across central Dhaka as thousands marched under the blazing sun yesterday, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's continued assault on Gaza.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The "March for Gaza," organised by the Palestine Solidarity Movement, transformed Suhrawardy Udyan and its surrounding streets into a sea of people.
Waving the red-green and black-white flags of Bangladesh and Palestine, demonstrators carried placards that read "Free Palestine", "Gaza Drenched in Blood -- Why is the World Silent?", and "Stop the Genocide".
Many had draped Palestinian flags over their shoulders, while others marched in silence carrying symbolic coffins or mannequins wrapped in white shrouds, representing the innocent lives lost in Gaza.
Although the official programme was scheduled to begin at 3:15pm at Suhrawardy Udyan, people started arriving in processions from early morning.
The crowd swelled as the day wore on, with participants joining from Shahbagh, TSC, Matsya Bhaban, and Doel Chattar.
By mid-afternoon, the entire area surrounding the Udyan was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of people.
Abu Musa, a student of Dhaka College, said, "Every day in Gaza, children are dying, and mothers are crying. If we stay silent now, we are complicit in this horror."
Musa also expressed his frustration at the international community's response. "Israel is growing more reckless because of the United Nations' failure and the deafening silence of the Muslim world," he said.
He urged the Bangladesh government to adopt a firmer diplomatic stance.
The rally was one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Bangladesh in recent memory, and organisers said it was part of a broader, global wave of protests.
"From Europe to the America, peace-loving people are coming out to condemn Israel's aggression," said one organiser. "We are part of that collective voice, standing against injustice."
Symbolic coffins were laid out in the middle of the rally, some with the names of Palestinian children who have died in recent weeks. Others bore the words "Stop ethnic cleansing" and "End the apartheid".
The air rang with slogans -- "Free Free Palestine", "Gaza, we are with you", "Down with Zionism" -- shouted in unison.
Zulfikar Ahmed, a private university student from Dhanmondi, said he had come to show that Bangladeshis stand with oppressed people everywhere.
"The Palestinians have faced occupation, airstrikes, and apartheid for decades. Today, we show that their pain is ours."
"Even if we cannot physically stand with them, we can at least raise our voices," he said.
Among the sea of marchers were also madrasa students and teachers.
Abdus Sabur, a madrasa teacher from Kamrangirchar, said, "Every child, every woman in Gaza now lives in fear. This is not just a political issue — this is about humanity."
Meanwhile, vendors sold Palestinian flags, headbands, and T-shirts along the rally route. Flags ranged from Tk 120 to Tk 300, depending on size, while T-shirts were priced at Tk 100, and headbands at Tk 10 to Tk 20.
"I bought the largest flag available," said Russell Ahmed, who joined the rally with friends. "This is how I protest. Gaza may be far, but our solidarity can reach there."
The massive gathering did not come without its logistical challenges.
Police said although it was a public holiday, the demonstration impacted traffic on almost all major roads in the capital, leading to severe congestion in many areas.
Some streets, however, remained relatively empty.
Police said this was because many people avoided taking their cars out, while others headed directly towards Suhrawardy Udyan, easing pressure on some roads.
Due to traffic congestions near the Shishu Mela in Shyamoli to the Agargaon intersection, people have to face delays of up to 30 minutes for public transport users.
The procession also created a tailback from Mirpur to Bijoy Sarani.
A traffic sergeant on duty at Dhanmondi-27, requesting anonymity, said, "There are no empty roads left in the capital. We've had to implement diversions on some routes to keep traffic moving."
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) deployed additional officers across key intersections, including Bangla Motor, Shahbagh, Katabon, and Science Laboratory.
Police said they had to divert vehicles in several areas.
A steady stream of processions continued to pour into the city centre even after 4:00pm.
As the sun dipped low over Suhrawardy Udyan, thousands stood together, proclaiming, with one voice: "Palestine will be free."
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