Khulna Bata showroom suffers over Tk1cr losses due to vandalism, looting during pro-Gaza protests
The violence took place during nationwide rallies held in solidarity with the Global Strike for Gaza. Various shops and businesses in several districts were vandalised, over their alleged ties to Israel
The Bata showroom at Shibbarighat in Khulna reportedly suffered losses of over Tk1 crore following looting and vandalism during a pro-Gaza protest yesterday (7 April).
The violence took place during nationwide rallies held in solidarity with the Global Strike for Gaza. Various shops and businesses in several districts were vandalised, over their alleged ties to Israel.
Md Tahidul Islam, manager of the Bata showroom in Khulna, told TBS, "Shoes worth about Tk90 to Tk95 lakh were looted. In addition, Tk1.45 lakh in cash was taken, and the vandals caused around Tk10 lakh worth of damage to the infrastructure."
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The showroom is located on the ground floor of the Tiger Garden residential hotel, which is operated by Sena Kalyan Sangstha (Army Welfare Organisation).
According to Tahidul, about 300 people entered the store simultaneously during the attack.
"They set fire to some shoes. Most of the goods were looted. Several of our staff members were also injured," he said.
In Khulna, the protest began around 3:30pm at Shibbarighat intersection under the banner of various organisations. A group later moved towards Moylapota area and, around 6:30pm, carried out attacks on KFC and Domino's Pizza outlets in the city. At the same time, the Bata showroom was looted.
KFC and Domino's Pizza branches in Khulna also suffered damage, though their representatives declined to comment on the extent of losses. They stated that officials from their central offices would assess the damage.
All three establishments fall under the jurisdiction of Khulna Metropolitan Police's (KMP) South Zone.
Deputy Commissioner of the South Zone, Md Abu Tarek, acknowledged the police's failure to prevent the attacks.
"The attackers suddenly launched the attack at one point. At that time, we did not have enough police there to resist and disperse them," he said.
So far, 31 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of KMP, Md Ahsan Habib, said, "They were arrested after analysing video and CCTV footage. Legal action is underway. The police are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend others involved."
