Dhaka: Unruly mobs in Bangladesh attacked Bata, KFC and Pizza Hut stores in different parts of the country, referring to them as Israel-linked businesses. This happened during nationwide anti-Israel protests. The police claimed that 49 people have been arrested in this connection.
Protests had erupted across Bangladesh, including the capital city Dhaka, against alleged Israeli brutality in Gaza. The vandalism was reported from Bogra, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar.
“The glass facades of KFC and Pizza Hut were broken after stones were thrown during a rally protesting attacks on Palestine,” a police official said.
The protests were held by several organisations – primarily religious in nature. Organisers claimed that the demonstrations were part of a global campaign to protest brutalities against Palestinians. Students had boycotted classes and exams to participate in the protests and several offices were shut.
Slogans were also raised against the US for supporting Israel, as well as the silence of organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Arab League. According to the office of Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh, two cases have been formally filed, and additional ones are being registered against those responsible.
“In a determined effort to bring those accountable to justice, police conducted raids last night targeting the perpetrators,” the statement said, adding that the law enforcement agencies are diligently reviewing video footage captured during the protests to identify more individuals involved.
“These operations will continue until all those responsible for this violence and destruction are apprehended,” the statement added.
The chief adviser’s office urged anyone with information to assist in the investigation. “Together, we can ensure that those who seek to undermine the peace and stability of our society are held accountable,” it further added.
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League said the vandalism during the protest is a sign of the alarming rise of extremism in Bangladesh. “This is more than a political crisis. It is a national emergency. Bangladesh risks becoming the next Afghanistan if the international community remains silent,” the Awami League said.
The party demanded accountability from the Yunus-led administration and said the rule of law must be restored. “Democracy must be revived. Dr Yunus must step down to make way for free and fair elections. To the global community: act now. Engage. Raise your voices. The cost of inaction will be devastating just for Bangladesh, but for regional and global stability,” the statement added.
Bata Bangladesh denounced the attacks on its stores in the country and rejected claims of Israeli ownership.
“We are aware of inaccurate claims suggesting that Bata is an Israeli-owned company or has political affiliations in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Bata is globally a privately held, family-owned company founded in the Czech Republic, with no political ties to the conflict,” it added.
