In a historic display of solidarity with the people of Gaza, more than a million Bangladeshis gathered in Dhaka on Saturday for what’s being called the country’s largest pro-Palestine rally to date. The event, dubbed the “March for Gaza,” drew people from all walks of life who took a united stand against Israeli aggression and pledged to boycott any products or companies connected to Israel.
The rally, held at Suhrawardy Udyan — Dhaka’s iconic public gathering space — was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The sea of people waved Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags and chanted slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israeli Products,” calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Prominent politicians, artists, influencers, and civil society members joined the event, demanding accountability from Israeli leaders, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for the ongoing military campaign that has devastated Gaza. According to organizers, more than 50,900 people have been killed, over 116,000 injured, and millions displaced or left starving as a result of Israel’s continued bombardment.
In a powerful declaration read aloud during the rally, attendees urged Muslim-majority countries to cut all ties with Israel — economically, militarily, and diplomatically — and push for global sanctions and isolation of the Israeli state.
“We will boycott every product, company, and system that enables Israel’s occupation,” said Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh and a key organizer of the event. “This is about more than politics — this is a stand for humanity.”
One of the major demands voiced during the rally was the reinstatement of the “except Israel” clause on Bangladeshi passports, which had previously banned citizens from traveling to Israel. The clause was controversially removed in 2021, despite Bangladesh having no formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Protesters called for the new government to bring it back.
Many participants shared how they’ve already started to act on the boycott pledge. Arman Sheikh, a Dhaka-based businessman, said he gave up Coca-Cola and other global brands with ties to Israel months ago. “It’s a small act of protest, but it matters,” he said. “Change starts with us.”
Nasrin Begum, a schoolteacher, now checks the origin of every product she buys. “There are always alternatives,” she said. “It’s about making conscious choices — because supporting injustice, even indirectly, is not something I can live with.”
Police estimated the turnout at approximately 1.1 million people, making it one of the largest Palestine-focused demonstrations outside the Middle East in recent times. Despite the massive crowd, the event remained peaceful, which organizers said was a reflection of the rally’s purpose — to stand against violence, not incite it.
“This isn’t just a Muslim issue,” said Rahman. “It’s a human issue. Our message is simple: enough is enough.”
