Massive Rally in Bangladesh Condemns Gaza War, Targets Global Leaders with Symbolic Protest

More than 100,000 people flooded the streets of Dhaka on Saturday in one of the largest public demonstrations in recent memory, condemning Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and voicing support for the Palestinian cause.

The massive rally took place at Suhrawardy Udyan, near Dhaka University, where demonstrators waved thousands of Palestinian flags and echoed chants of “Free, Free Palestine.” The protest was marked by high emotion and strong symbolism, as participants struck posters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—leaders perceived to be backing Israel’s campaign.

Symbolic coffins and effigies were carried to represent the civilian toll of the conflict, with many attendees expressing outrage over what they called “global indifference” to Palestinian suffering.

The demonstration was backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with several Islamist political groups. Their unified presence sent a strong political signal both domestically and abroad.

Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country of 170 million people, does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel and has long supported the call for an independent Palestinian state. The government reiterated its stance this week, urging the international community to act decisively in bringing an end to the violence in Gaza.

This protest follows a growing wave of global demonstrations in support of Gaza as the humanitarian crisis in the region deepens. Organizers said the rally in Dhaka was intended not just as an act of protest, but as a call for justice and peace.