Kumar Bahukhandi
Violence amid protests in Bangladesh. – Photo: ANI
Why are there protests against Israel in Bangladesh? Why have the protesters targeted the outlets of foreign companies during this time? How has a situation of controversy arisen between political parties regarding these protests? Apart from this, why are these incidents being linked to the growing fundamentalism in the country? Let’s know…
Once again, reports of violence have surfaced in Bangladesh. This time the violent protests are concentrated in the capital Dhaka as well as some other cities. However, the issue of the ongoing movement this time is different as compared to the protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about seven months ago. This time the reason for unrest in Bangladesh is Israel, due to which incidents of vandalism have also been seen there. The situation is such that even the outlets of many international companies have been targeted in Bangladesh.
In such a situation, it is important to know why protests are taking place in Bangladesh regarding Israel? Why have the protesters targeted the outlets of foreign companies during this time? How has a situation of controversy arisen between political parties regarding these protests? Apart from this, why are these incidents being linked to the growing fundamentalism in the country? Let’s know…
Why are protests happening in Bangladesh, what is the connection with Israel?
Protests against Israel have started in Bangladesh from Monday. The reason for this is the military operation of the Israeli army in Gaza, in which thousands of people have lost their lives so far. In protest against this, people have demonstrated on the streets in Bangladesh. Not only this, these people have also raised their voice to boycott products related to Israel.
However, the voice raised against Israeli products soon turned into violence against the outlets of international brands. Especially brands like shoe manufacturing company Bata, food-beverage company KFC and Pizza Hut have especially faced the anger of the people. The mob also attacked them suspecting them to be associated with Israel.
In which cities did the protesting crowd resort to violence?
- Bogra
According to the Bangladeshi newspaper Dhaka Tribune, the crowd turned violent at many places during the demonstration. The protesters vandalized several stores and also tried to target their staff. Hundreds of students and locals participated in the demonstration in Bogra city and raised slogans against Israel. During this, a demand was raised to boycott Israeli products and the crowd soon attacked the Bata showroom. The protesters pelted stones at the showroom, which broke its glass walls. However, before the crowd could enter the showroom and target the employees, some workers showed courage and closed the door from inside.
Police officer SM Moinuddin of Bogra Sadar Police Station said that the protesters did try to enter the showroom by breaking the glass with stones, but there were no casualties in this incident.
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 ” />
- Sylhet
According to the Bangla Tribune, a riotous mob vandalised a KFC outlet in Mirboxtula area of Sylhet city in the east. During this, people started breaking cold drink bottles suspecting them to be manufactured in Israel. Later the police cordoned off the area. However, the protesters demanded the Bangladesh government and the United Nations to take action against Israel and stop the Gaza war. After this the outlet was closed.
- Chittagong
Apart from this, protesters also attacked KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in Chittagong. Here people pelted stones at the shops and even threw shoes. Their glass walls suffered heavy damage. Two units of Chittagong Metropolitan Police were sent to stop the mob. Police in-charge of Panchlash area Mohammad Suleman told the Dhaka Tribune newspaper, “We are investigating the matter. The situation is calm now. The mob was removed from the area in the evening itself.” 4. Cox’s Bazar
The protests in Bangladesh turned violent even in Cox’s Bazar. A large number of people gathered in Kalatali and pelted stones at the signboards of KFC and Pizza Hut. Talking to an international media group, Cox’s Bazar Police Station officer Ilyas Khan said that the mob did not vandalize the restaurants by entering inside. They just stayed outside and kept pelting stones at their banners. However, eyewitnesses claimed that some people targeted the nearby shops.
Political upheaval begins
The sudden violent protests in Bangladesh amid the Israel-Hamas conflict also gave rise to political tension. Interim government chief Mohammad Yunus strongly opposed this incident. He said…
Police is examining CCTV footage to identify the miscreants in this case. Police has been conducting raids since Monday to catch those responsible for the attack.
Mohammad Yunus has been raising his voice for Palestine on many occasions before this. Some time ago, he had criticized Israel and held it responsible for the suffering of common people, women and children in Gaza. He had also mentioned this in his speech in the United Nations General Assembly.
What did the opposition say?
Police is examining CCTV footage to identify the miscreants in this case. Police has been conducting raids since Monday to catch those responsible for the attack.
Mohammad Yunus has been raising his voice for Palestine on many occasions before this. Some time ago, he had criticized Israel and held it responsible for the suffering of common people, women and children in Gaza. He had also mentioned this in his speech in the United Nations General Assembly.
The Awami League said Dr Yunus must step down so that free and fair elections can be held. The global community must act now. Failure to do so would be disastrous not just for Bangladesh but for the entire region and global stability.
