Protests erupt nationwide over Gaza conflict
Nationwide protests against Israeli military interventions in Gaza broke out into acts of violence all over Bangladesh on Monday, as protesters attacked establishments seen to have connections with Israel. The trouble resulted in scores of commercial centers being vandalized, leading the security forces to crack down ruthlessly.
Thousands of people marched on the streets in big cities like Bogra, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar, with demonstrators belonging to different political, cultural, and religious parties calling for an end to Israeli aggression. Demonstrators held Palestinian flags and chanted slogans for Gaza, while anti-American sentiments also cropped up near the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Businesses Attacked, Arrests Made
Among the businesses targeted were a Bata shop in Bogra, and KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar, which were stoned. At least 49 individuals were detained across the country for their role in the destruction.
Bangladesh Police confirmed that they are taking the suspects into custody based on video footage. “Anyone engaging in criminal activity in the name of protest will be brought to justice,” Inspector General Baharul Alam stated.
#BREAKING ?
In Bangladesh, Islamists are openly rallying for Hamas, vandalizing places like KFC, and calling for boycotts of U.S. and Israeli products. Despite the chaos, authorities have taken no action as anti-Israel , anti-America and anti-India slogans continue to spread.… pic.twitter.com/IRNDXxZ0DM— Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus ?? (@VHindus71) April 7, 2025
Government, Opposition Respond to Unrest
Top Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who previously expressed solidarity with Palestine, denounced the bloodshed. “These attacks are an insult to public safety and rule of law,” he added that police raids were under way to arrest the culprits.
The opposition Awami League, headed by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, described the situation as a “national emergency.” In a statement, the party threatened that Bangladesh could become the next Afghanistan if global powers did not act. They demanded the resignation of Yunus and immediate action to restore democracy.
Investment Authority, Industry Express Concern
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) also denounced the attacks. “These protesters are against economic development and employment,” Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun declared. “Most of the enterprises that were attacked were either local investors or foreign collaborators who aid Bangladesh’s economy.”
The unrest comes at a delicate moment since Bangladesh is hosting an investment summit. The authorities worry that the violence may dent the economic plans of the country and its global reputation.
Ongoing Investigations
The authorities have lodged two official cases, and more are to come as investigations are ongoing. The public was called on by the police to give information that would assist in identifying additional suspects.
Tension persists as calls for accountability intensify, both for the violence and overall political instability.
