Anti-Israel protests turn violent in Bangladesh as mobs target business outlets, 56 arrested

Hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators vandalised business establishments, including multinational outlets, across several Bangladeshi cities, prompting police to launch raids and arrest 56 people, officials said Tuesday.

The violence broke out on Monday during rallies held to express solidarity with Palestinians and denounce Israeli strikes on Gaza. Demonstrators in cities such as Sylhet, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Cumilla and Dhaka targeted shops and franchises including Bata Shoe, KFC and Domino’s Pizza, police said.

Police responded with overnight raids to apprehend those involved. “At least 56 people have been arrested so far,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He added that authorities are analysing video footage to identify more suspects, and the crackdown will continue until all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, several political parties, including former PM Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Islamist groups, and left-leaning organisations, held peaceful protests for a second day on Tuesday, chanting slogans against Israel.

Police maintained heightened security and no further violence was reported on Tuesday.

Several political outfits, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), right-wing Islamist groups, and left-leaning organisations, continued peaceful demonstrations for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, raising slogans against Israel.

Police maintained a strict vigil, and no violence was reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, the BNP condemned Monday’s violence, saying the government failed to maintain law and order.

“We want to say the government and the law enforcement agencies’ failures’ were visible here,” BNP standing committee member and spokesman Salahuddin Ahmed told a rally staged against Israel at the Dhaka University campus.

The vandalism occurred ahead of a four-day international investment summit hosted by the interim government, which Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate on Wednesday.

The summit is aimed at attracting global entrepreneurs as Bangladesh seeks both foreign and domestic investment.

With inputs from agencies