Dhaka:
Anti -nationwide anti -Israel protests in Bangladesh became violent on Monday after targeting businesses like Bata, KFC and Pizza Hut in various parts of the country. The police have arrested at least 49 people of the South Asian nation regarding the barbarity of shops and businesses during yesterday’s protests.
Reports of vandalism came from Bogra, Sylhet and Cox Markets and regions, which after people from different fields of life, including political, social, cultural and religious organizations, along with students and professionals, took them to the streets in protest against the demand for the immediate end of Israeli aggression in Gaza.
A mob attacked a Bata showroom in Bogra and a KFC restaurant in Sylhet. In the Cox Bazaar, a KFC and a pizza hut outlet were targeted by protesters who teased stones in establishments.
A protest was also held near the US embassy in Dhaka, where the meeting was feared. Anti -US slogans were also heard during protests, including targeting some people targeting US President Donald Trump.
Protesters with Palestine flags, shouting pro -Palestine slogans, were also seen on protests.
After the violence, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam directed the authorities to arrest people responsible for vandalism across the country. Police said it is identifying the culprits based on video footage of rallies and no criminal acts will be tolerated under the guise of protest.
Police said, “We have video footage of the attackers. They are being identified and will be arrested immediately. Police teams are currently working on it.”
A top police officer said, “The government does not disrupt any legitimate opposition. However, we will not tolerate any criminal acts under the guise of protest.”
Political tension
While the interim government headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League excluded the events as a sign of a dangerous rise of extremism in Bangladesh.
Awami League said in a statement after the violence, “This is more than a political crisis- this is a national emergency. Bangladesh risk the next Afghanistan, if the international community remains silent,” Awami League said in a statement after the violence.
Hasina’s party demanded accountability from the Yunus -led administration and said that the rule of law should be restored.
Dangerous rise of extremism in Bangladesh: a call for international community
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This is more than a political crisis – this is a national emergency. If the international community remains silent, Bangladesh becomes the next Afghanistan.We should demand accountability. , pic.twitter.com/ilojrvf5z11
– Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) 7 April, 2025
The statement said, “Democracy should be revived. Dr. Younus must be left to leave for free and fair elections. For the global community: Now Act. Attach. Increase your voice. The cost of inactivity will only be disastrous for Bangladesh, but for regional and global stability, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Nobel Prize winner Chief Advisor, who earlier made a statement in support of Palestine, condemned the violence on Tuesday, stating that action would be taken against those responsible for the violence.
Yunse said in a statement, “The Bangladesh Police on Monday has moved forward to take action on the violent and illegal incidents that occur during the Pro-Gaja protests in many cities on Monday. These attacks and barbarism are affected by the rule of public safety and law.”
statement
Dhaka, April 8: The Bangladesh Police on Monday moved forward rapidly to take action on violent and illegal incidents that occur during the Protection Protests in several cities. These attacks and vandal functions are one affected by public safety and law rule.
As…
– Chief Advisor to Government of Bangladesh (@Chifadvisergob) April 8, 2025
He said, “So far, at least 49 persons have been arrested for these incidents. The police have worked fast, and two cases have been formally filed. Further investigation is underway, and additional cases are in the process of filing against those responsible for these condemnable acts.”
The Chief Advisor of Bangladesh also noted that the police on Monday night raided them to target criminals in a scheduled attempt to make them accountable to justice.
“Law enforcement agencies are reviewing video footage captured during protests to identify more individuals. These operations will continue until everyone responsible for this violence and destruction is arrested. We urge anyone.
Industry reacts
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) also condemned the violence, called the protesters “true enemies of employment generation, economic development and stability”.
“At a time when we are hosting a summit to show Bangladesh as an investment destination, it is unfortunate to see our countrymen establishing such derogatory examples. Many of these businesses were local investors, and some of them were foreigners who believed in Bangladesh, Chaudhary Mahmud Bin Harun said in a statement.