Dhaka:
Nationwide anti-Israel protests in Bangladesh turned violent on Monday after an unruly mob focused Israeli-linked companies like Bata, KFC and Pizza Hut in several components of the nation. Police have arrested at the least 49 folks from throughout the South Asian nation in reference to vandalism of retailers and companies throughout yesterday’s demonstrations.
Studies of vandalism got here from  Bogra, Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar and areas, after folks from totally different walks of life, together with political, social, cultural, and non secular organisations, together with college students and professionals, took to the streets in protest demanding a direct finish to Israeli aggression in Gaza.
A mob attacked a Bata showroom in Bogra and a KFC restaurant in Sylhet. In Cox’s Bazar, a KFC and a Pizza Hut outlet have been focused by protesters who pelted stones on the institutions.
The protests have been additionally held close to the US Embassy in Dhaka, the place safety was elevated, anticipating the gathering. Anti-American slogans have been additionally heard in the course of the protests, together with some concentrating on US President Donald Trump.
Protesters with Palestine flags, shouting pro-Palestine slogans, have been additionally noticed on the protests.
Following the violence, Inspector Basic of Police Baharul Alam instructed authorities to arrest the people chargeable for vandalism throughout the nation. Police stated it’s figuring out culprits primarily based on the video footage of the rallies and any prison acts beneath the guise of protest will not be tolerated.
“Now we have video footage of the attackers. They’re being recognized and will probably be arrested instantly. Police groups are presently engaged on this,” the police stated.
“The federal government doesn’t impede any lawful protests. Nonetheless, we won’t tolerate any prison acts beneath the guise of protest,” a high police officer added. Â
Political Rigidity
Whereas the interim authorities led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence, ousted Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League termed the developments as an indication of the alarming rise of extremism in Bangladesh.
“That is greater than a political crisis- it is a nationwide emergency. Bangladesh dangers turning into the following Afghanistan if the worldwide neighborhood stays silent,” the Awami League stated in an announcement after the violence.
Hasina’s social gathering demanded accountability from the Yunus-led administration and stated the rule of legislation should be restored.
The Alarming Rise of Extremism in Bangladesh: A Name to the Worldwide Neighborhood
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That is greater than a political disaster—it is a nationwide emergency. Bangladesh dangers turning into the following Afghanistan if the worldwide neighborhood stays silent.We should demand accountability.… pic.twitter.com/iLoJrVf5Z1
— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) April 7, 2025
“Democracy should be revived. Dr. Yunus should step all the way down to make manner without cost and truthful elections. To the worldwide neighborhood: act now. Interact. Increase your voices. The price of inaction will probably be devastating only for Bangladesh, however for regional and world stability,” the assertion added.
In the meantime, the Nobel Laureate Chief Advisor, who earlier made an announcement in help of Palestine, condemned the violence on Tuesday, saying actions will probably be taken towards the folks chargeable for the violence.
“Bangladesh police have swiftly moved to take motion over the violent and illegal occasions that unfolded in the course of the Professional-Gaza protests in a number of cities on Monday. These assaults and acts of vandalism are an affront to public security and the rule of legislation,” Yunus stated within the assertion.
Assertion
DHAKA, April 8: Bangladesh police have swiftly moved to take motion over the violent and illegal occasions that unfolded in the course of the Professional-Gaza protests in a number of cities on Monday. These assaults and acts of vandalism are an affront to public security and the rule of legislation.
As…
— Chief Adviser of the Authorities of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) April 8, 2025
“As of now, at the least 49 people have been arrested in reference to these incidents. The police have acted swiftly, and two instances have been formally filed. Additional investigations are underway, and extra instances are within the strategy of being filed towards these chargeable for these reprehensible acts,” he added.
Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor additionally famous that police on Monday evening carried out raids concentrating on the perpetrators in a decided effort to convey these accountable to justice.
“Regulation enforcement businesses are diligently reviewing video footage captured in the course of the protests to establish extra people concerned. These operations will proceed till all these chargeable for this violence and destruction are apprehended. We urge anybody with data that will help within the investigation to come back ahead. Collectively, we are able to make sure that those that search to undermine the peace and stability of our society are held accountable,” he added.
Trade Reacts
The Bangladesh Funding Growth Authority (BIDA) additionally condemned the violence, calling the protestors “true enemies of job creation, financial progress, and stability.”
“At a time after we are internet hosting a summit to showcase Bangladesh as an funding vacation spot, it’s unlucky to see our countrymen setting such deplorable examples. Numerous these companies have been native traders, and a few of them have been foreigners who believed in Bangladesh. All of them supplied employment alternatives to our youth. Those that have dedicated these heinous acts of vandalism are true enemies of job creation, financial progress, and stability,” BIDA Govt Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun stated in an announcement.
