সময় ভেলা রিপোর্ট 
April 12, 2025, March for Gaza in Bangladesh
On April 12, 2025, Bangladesh witnessed a significant demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and advocating for justice and peace. This march, organized by various student groups, political parties, and civil society organizations, was a powerful expression of the nation's unwavering support for Palestine.
The march will be began at the National Press Club in Shahbag, Dhaka; around 1500 hours, where participants gathered to form a human chain, symbolizing unity and solidarity with the Palestinian people. Carrying Palestinian flags and placards with slogans such as "Free Free Palestine" and "Stop Genocide," the demonstrators marched through the streets, chanting anti-Israel slogans and calling for international intervention to halt the violence in Gaza.
Background and Context
Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation with a history of supporting Palestinian rights, has consistently condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza. The government's stance is reflected in its diplomatic policies and public pronouncements. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has publicly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, referring to them as acts of genocide. The government's stance aligns with the sentiments expressed by the public through various marches and demonstrations across the country.
The demonstration was organized by the Palestine Solidarity Committee Bangladesh, a coalition of left-leaning political parties and civil society organizations. Harun Or Rashid, a central leader of the Revolutionary Communist League, chaired the event and called on the international community to expel Israel from the United Nations and ensure justice for Palestinians. Mushrefa Mishu, General Secretary of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, highlighted the mass killings of unarmed Palestinians by the Israeli army in recent conflicts. Masud Rana, Coordinator of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), criticized the support Israel receives from the U.S. government. Other speakers included Abdullah Kafee Ratan of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Khalequzzaman Lipon of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh.
Global Solidarity in the March for Gaza – April 12, 2025
On April 12, 2025, the world witnessed a powerful outpouring of solidarity for Gaza as millions took to the streets across continents, demanding an immediate ceasefire and an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. This coordinated global movement, known as the "Global Day of Action," united individuals from over 120 cities in 45 countries, including major demonstrations in London, New York City, Washington, D.C., Paris, Cairo, and Dhaka .
The Catalyst for Action
The urgency of this global mobilization stemmed from the escalating violence in Gaza, where Israeli military operations had resulted in the deaths of more than 23,000 Palestinians, including over 10,000 children, in just over three months. The conflict had devastated Gaza's infrastructure, leaving much of its population displaced, starving, and at growing risk of disease .
In Bangladesh, the call for justice resonated deeply. On April 7, 2025, a nationwide "Global Strike for Gaza" saw students, activists, and political groups across universities and cities protesting Israeli actions in Gaza. The demonstrations were marked by widespread participation, with many educational institutions voluntarily closing to support the global "No Work, No School" campaign. Outlets of foreign brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Puma, and Bata were vandalized by enraged mobs for allegedly supporting the Zionist cause .
The following day, April 8, witnessed protests in various districts, including Gaibandha, Khulna, Meherpur, Narayanganj, Pabna, Pirojpur, Shariatpur, and Mymensingh. These rallies, human chains, and demonstrations were organized by people from all walks of life, demanding an immediate end to the genocide and mass destruction in Gaza by Israeli forces .
A Unified Global Voice
The April 12 marches were not merely protests; they were a unified global voice condemning the violence in Gaza and calling for an end to the war. In London, as many as 500,000 people marched on Parliament Square to demand an immediate ceasefire and condemn their own government's support of Israel's actions . Similarly, in Dublin, organizers of a march that saw more than 100,000 participants called it the largest rally for Palestinian rights in Irish history .
The Global Day of Action on April 12, 2025, underscored the power of collective action and international solidarity. It sent a clear message to governments and international bodies that the people of the world stand united in their demand for justice and peace for Gaza. The movement highlighted the importance of global awareness and action in addressing humanitarian crises and holding accountable those responsible for violations of human rights.
The March for Gaza on April 12, 2025, was a testament to the strength of global solidarity and the unwavering commitment of individuals and communities worldwide to advocate for justice and human rights. It demonstrated that when people unite across borders and cultures, their collective voice can challenge injustice and inspire change. As the world continues to grapple with conflicts and humanitarian crises, the events of April 12 serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of unified, peaceful protest in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.
Public Sentiment and Participation
The April 12 march was part of a broader wave of protests across Bangladesh in response to the ongoing violence in Gaza. In previous months, nationwide demonstrations, including the "Global Strike for Gaza" on April 7, 2025, saw students, activists, and political groups protesting Israeli actions in Gaza. These rallies took place across universities and cities, calling for an end to the violence and justice for Palestinians. Outlets of foreign brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Puma, and Bata were vandalized by enraged mobs for allegedly supporting the Zionist cause. Wikipedia
Government Response
The Bangladeshi government has been vocal in its condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza. The government's stance aligns with the sentiments expressed by the public through various marches and demonstrations across the country.
The April 12, 2025, March for Gaza in Bangladesh was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people. It reflected the nation's deep-rooted support for Palestine and its commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage. As global attention remains focused on the situation in Gaza, Bangladesh's continued support for Palestine remains a significant aspect of its foreign policy and national identity.
