Protests supporting Gaza erupted across Bangladesh in cities like Dhaka, Sylhet, Bogra, and Chittagong. People gathered to condemn Israel’s military actions and express solidarity with Palestinians. However, the situation quickly turned violent as protesters began targeting global brands they believed had links to Israel.
Protesters Accused Global Brands of Supporting Israel
Many demonstrators accused international companies such as Bata, KFC, and Pizza Hut of either supporting Israel or being associated with Israeli interests. This belief led to attacks on several brand outlets. In Bogra, hundreds marched with placards and shouted anti-Israel slogans. Protesters threw bricks at a Bata showroom, smashing its glass walls. The employees locked the doors from inside, which prevented more damage. Bogra Sadar police officer SM Moinuddin said that although protesters caused some destruction, no serious incident occurred.
Violence Escalated in Sylhet and Chittagong
In Sylhet, demonstrators stormed into a KFC outlet and destroyed soft drink bottles that they believed were linked to Israeli companies. Police arrived and shut the restaurant down. Protesters demanded that the Bangladeshi government and the United Nations boycott Israeli products and take firm action against what they described as brutal killings in Gaza. In Chittagong, the violence grew more intense. Protesters hurled bricks, stones, and shoes at KFC and Pizza Hut outlets, shattering their glass fronts. Local police officer Mohammad Solaiman stated that they were investigating the incident and had restored calm by the evening.
Islamist mobs in #Bangladesh went on a rampage today looting and destroying KFC, Bata, Dominos, and Pizza Hut outlets.
Why?
To protest against Israel’s retaliation in Palestine.
Why these brands?
They believe these are owned by Jews.
Bangladeshi franchise owners bore the loss. pic.twitter.com/omlp8HiqW3— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) April 7, 2025
Cox’s Bazar Saw Similar Attacks
In Cox’s Bazar, demonstrators threw stones at the logos and signboards of KFC and Pizza Hut. Police officer Elias Khan said there was no damage inside the restaurants, only attacks on the exterior signs. However, some eyewitnesses claimed that nearby businesses were also affected during the protest.
Bata Denied Any Ties to Israel
Following the attacks, Bata released a public statement denying any connection to Israel. The company clarified that it had no political affiliations in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It said that Bata was a privately held, family-owned company founded in the Czech Republic and had no links to Israel.
Political Tensions Rose Nationwide
The violence led to political tensions in the country. The interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, condemned the unrest. Meanwhile, the Awami League, headed by the ousted Sheikh Hasina, criticized the government’s handling of the protests. The party warned that the situation had become a national emergency and claimed that Bangladesh risked becoming the next Afghanistan if the global community remained silent. The Awami League also called for Dr Yunus to resign and urged international intervention.
The Alarming Rise of Extremism in Bangladesh: A Call to the International Community
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This is more than a political crisis—it’s a national emergency. Bangladesh risks becoming the next Afghanistan if the international community remains silent.We must demand accountability.… pic.twitter.com/iLoJrVf5Z1
— Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) April 7, 2025
Government Responded with Arrests and Investigations
Dr Yunus, who had earlier voiced support for Palestine, condemned the violent incidents and assured strict action. He said the police had acted swiftly and treated the attacks as a threat to public safety and law. Authorities arrested 49 people and filed two legal cases. Investigations were ongoing, and police were reviewing video footage to identify more suspects. Security forces also conducted raids on Monday night to track down others involved in the violence.
