Bangladesh witnessed tense moments on Monday when mobs targeted Israeli-linked businesses, which included Bata, KFC, and Pizza Hut, during demonstrations held in Bogra, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, and other districts.
The protesters demanded a boycott of Israel-linked products and criticised the Israeli ‘aggression’ in Gaza.
Bogra
In Bogra, a major commercial hub in Northern Bangladesh, a large number of people marched towards the city centre, where they allegedly vandalised a Bata showroom.
The protestors, armed with banners, placards, and festoons, raised slogans condemning the genocide in Palestine and demanding the boycott of Israeli products, reported Dhaka Tribune.
The protest triggered massive traffic congestion in the city.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bogra Sadar police station SM Moinuddin told the newspaper that although the protestors threw bricks at the showroom, breaking the glass, no major untoward incident occurred.
Sylhet
A similar demonstration occurred in Sylhet city, where angry demonstrators targeted a KFC restaurant in the Mirboxtula area.
The restaurant was immediately shut down, and police arrived at the venue to restore order.
The demonstrators asked the Bangladesh government and the UN to take immediate action to enforce a boycott on Israeli products.
A similar protest took place in Cox’s Bazar, where demonstrators were seen throwing stones at the signboards of KFC and Pizza Hut, both brands that are seen as being associated with Israel.
Witnesses told Dhaka Tribune that several nearby restaurants also faced damages.
Chittagong
In Chittagong, the major seaport city of Bangladesh, two Israeli-linked restaurants were attacked by protesters.
Police rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.
Israel began the Gaza invasion after Hamas attacked the country and killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 people.
