50 held over vandalism, looting of businesses across country during pro-Gaza protests

At least 50 individuals have been arrested or detained in connection with the vandalism and looting of shops and businesses during pro-Gaza protests that took place across several districts in Bangladesh on Sunday (7 April).

Protesters had taken to the streets in solidarity with the Global Strike for Gaza. However, the demonstrations turned violent in places as groups targeted various businesses, including American fast-food chains like KFC, accusing them of ties to Israel. Incidents were reported in Sylhet, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Cumilla, and other locations.

Of those detained, 31 arrests were made in Khulna, 14 in Sylhet, and four in Gazipur. No arrests have been reported yet in Barishal or Cumilla, despite incidents occurring there as well.

In Chattogram, protestors vandalized a Puma outlet and a KFC branch. Although the Puma store’s shutters were down, preventing looting, its exterior and signage were damaged. One person has been detained in the city for suspected involvement. Chittagong Metropolitan Police ADC Mahmuda Begum stated that the individual would be shown as arrested if proven guilty following investigation.

Khulna Metropolitan Police ADC Md Ahsan Habib confirmed arrests were made after reviewing CCTV and video footage. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and efforts continue to identify more suspects.

In Gazipur, four people — Siam Khan (Onik), Shimul Ahmed Shawon, Shaheen, and Joynal Abedin — were arrested in a joint police-army operation. They were involved in vandalizing signs of businesses such as Tripti Hotel, Radhuni Hotel, and a Bata outlet after a pro-Palestine rally.

In Sylhet, KFC has filed a case against unknown individuals for the attacks. The arrested persons will be presented in court in relation to the case, according to Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Rezaul Karim. Police also recovered looted shoes from a Bata showroom, traced through a Facebook advertisement where they were being resold.

In response, the Chief Adviser’s Office issued a statement via Facebook on Monday (8 April), saying:
“Bangladesh Police have swiftly moved to take action over the violent and unlawful events that unfolded during the Pro-Gaza protests in several cities… These acts of vandalism are an affront to public safety and the rule of law.”
The statement urged the public to come forward with any helpful information as further investigations and cases are underway.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam also issued instructions on Monday, directing immediate arrests of those involved. “We have video footage and are identifying the perpetrators. Arrests will be made swiftly,” he said, stressing that while lawful protests are not hindered, criminal activity in the name of protest will not be tolerated.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun also condemned the violence, noting, “At a time when we’re promoting Bangladesh as a prime investment destination, it’s deeply unfortunate to witness such disgraceful acts by our own citizens.”