In a powerful display of unity, over one million Bangladeshis flooded the streets of Dhaka on Saturday, participating in the nation’s largest rally to express solidarity with Gaza and publicly vow to boycott products associated with Israel.
Under a sea of vibrant flags—both Bangladeshi and Palestinian—participants gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan, chanting fervent slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israeli products.” The event, dubbed the “March for Gaza,” was orchestrated by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh and drew a diverse crowd, including politicians, artists, and influential social media figures, all united in their call for global action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and those complicit in the ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians.
Speakers at the rally urgently called for international accountability, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza where recent violence has resulted in over 50,900 deaths, 116,000 injuries, and millions facing starvation due to the destruction of vital infrastructure and the blockade of humanitarian aid.
A joint declaration made during the demonstration urged the global community to take decisive steps to halt what was described as genocide, particularly appealing to Muslim nations to sever ties with Israel and impose economic sanctions. “We will boycott every product, company, and force that sustains Israel’s occupation,” declared Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh and a key organizer of the event. “This pledge will resonate through our language, history, education, economy, and society.”
The scale of the rally was unprecedented, with Rahman estimating attendance at approximately 1.1 million. “It was a peaceful gathering, a testament to humanity’s call for justice,” he remarked. The protest transcended religious boundaries, focusing on a shared human experience against oppression.
Protesters also called on the government to reinstate the “except Israel” clause in Bangladeshi passports, a regulation that had previously prohibited travel to Israel but was removed by the former administration in 2021.
Many attendees expressed their commitment to the boycott, citing personal actions taken against Israeli products. Arman Sheikh, a businessman from Dhaka, shared, “I stopped buying Israeli products as soon as this latest wave of aggression began. Even Coca-Cola, a popular choice, has been excluded from my purchases. This is my way of protesting.”
Nasrin Begum, a local teacher, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her efforts to avoid brands linked to Israel. “I always check the origins of cosmetics before buying. If I find any connection to Israel, I steer clear. It’s about our mindset and determination,” she stated. “We can find substitutes easily in an open market economy, and I refuse to support those responsible for these atrocities.”
The rally not only exemplified the collective will of the Bangladeshi people but also ignited a renewed commitment to stand in solidarity with Gaza, as voices across the nation united in a powerful call for justice.
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