Dhaka, Apr 12 (V7N)- Tears flowed and voices rose in unison at Suhrawardy Udyan as over a lakh people gathered for the ‘March for Gaza’, a powerful demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause. The program culminated on Saturday afternoon with a heartfelt special prayer, seeking peace, justice, and freedom for the oppressed people of Palestine.

The prayer, held at 4 pm and led by Mufti Abdul Malek, the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, deeply moved the participants. Many were seen weeping, their hands raised in emotional supplication, praying for an end to the violence and occupation in Gaza.

Earlier, the program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by slogans condemning Israeli aggression and voicing demands for Palestinian independence. Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh, the gathering saw attendance from across the social, political, and cultural spectrum of the country.

In a declaration read by Daily Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, the organizers demanded the cancellation of all existing agreements with Israel and urged the government to sever diplomatic and economic ties with the Zionist state. The statement called Israeli actions a “grave blow to humanity”, urging immediate global intervention.

Protesters, many waving Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags, held placards with messages like “Free Palestine”, “Gaza is stained with blood – why is the world silent?”, and “Stop the genocide.” Some demonstrators brought along symbolic effigies and portraits of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a display of creative resistance.

Prominent Islamic scholars including Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Shaikh Ahmadullah were present, alongside political figures such as BNP leaders Salahuddin Ahmed, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Abdus Salam Azad, and Jamaat leaders Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Rezaul Karim, Shafiqul Islam Masud. Leaders from other parties, including the Bangladesh Labor Party and People's Rights Council, also joined in solidarity.

The crowd began arriving at the historic ground from early morning, forming processions from Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and Nilkhet. The chants of “Palestine Zindabad” echoed throughout the capital as the day-long demonstration became one of the largest pro-Palestine mobilizations in recent times.

The gathering concluded with a collective vow to continue standing by the oppressed people of Gaza and to raise voices until Palestine is free.

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