Protests in solidarity with Gaza: Incidents of vandalism across the country

Published : Monday, 7 April, 2025 at 7:34 PM Count : 192

A section of protesters demonstrating in solidarity with Gaza today vandalised several establishments in Gazipur, Sylhet, Cox's Bazar, and Bogura.

In Gazipur, an agitated mob tore down billboards and banners in front of shops alleged to be selling Israeli products in the Board Bazar area along the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway.

Ali Mohammad Rashed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Gacha Police Station, said no shops were attacked, but promotional materials—such as a Seven Up billboard—were torn down.

"Protesters said they will not tolerate any shop promoting or selling Israeli goods," he said.

Police are currently monitoring the area.

In Sylhet, thousands gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar area at around 3:00pm, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in support of Gaza.

However, the demonstration turned violent when protesters vandalised a KFC outlet in the city's Mirboxtula area, along with several other restaurants reportedly stocking Coca-Cola products.

Demonstrators also destroyed hundred of bottles of soft drinks manufactured by companies that allegedly have ties to Israel, dumping them onto the street.

In Cox's Bazar, a large rally began at 12:00pm from Shaheed Daulat Maidan and moved through the main tourist areas.

At least five restaurants were vandalised during the procession.

Jabed Iqbal, general secretary of the Cox's Bazar Restaurant Owners' Association, said that KFC, Pizza Hut, and several local restaurants were attacked, injuring a few tourists with broken glass.

"We fully support the cause of Palestine and have joined the protests. But this kind of violence hurts our tourism and sends the wrong message," Jabed said, urging authorities to take action against those responsible.

On-site inspection confirmed damage to signboards, broken glass, and the closure of several outlets.

Firoz Ahmed, manager of Kacha Lanka Restaurant, said, "There was a 7UP sign board outside, and that was enough for them to target us. We support the cause too—this was unnecessary."

Mohammad Elias Khan, OC of Cox's Bazar Sadar Police Station, said law enforcement was present during the rally, but a few individuals in the crowd acted out of control.

"Senior participants helped us bring the situation under control," he added.

In Bogura, a large protest rally led by religious and business groups took place from morning until the afternoon.

Demonstrators called for a boycott of Israeli products and condemned what they termed genocide in Gaza.

However, around 12:30pm, protesters hurled bricks and stones at the Bata showroom at Satmatha, smashing glass windows on the second floor.

All showrooms in the Satmatha and Jaleshwari areas were closed following the incident.

SM Moinuddin, OC of Bogura Sadar Police Station, confirmed the attack.

"A segment of the returning protesters targeted the showroom and caused damage," he said.

FP/MI