Sylhet businesses devastated by looting and vandalism, police arrest 14

A scene of destruction unfolded this afternoon (8 April) at the KFC showroom in the Mirboxtula area of Sylhet, where tarpaulins covered the building but couldn't hide the damage caused by vandals during a protest rally the day before.

Broken glass windows and wrecked furniture were visible inside, with workers seen cleaning up the aftermath. Police stood guard outside.

The attack on KFC was part of a series of vandalism and looting incidents across the city during separate rallies held yesterday afternoon (7 April) to condemn the genocide in Palestine. Other businesses that suffered similar fates included Domino's Pizza, Unimart, Royal Mark Hotel, several Bata showrooms, and multiple restaurants and shops.

At the Bata showroom in the Dargah Gate area, which was looted yesterday, a staff member said, "All Bata showrooms in Sylhet have been closed and will remain so for the next week."

Today, the showroom was covered with a tarpaulin, with only one shutter partially open. Similarly, other Bata outlets in Ambarkhana, Zindabazar, and Barutkhana remained shut.

Despite significant damage, Unimart reopened its Ambarkhana outlet today. Broken glass littered the front, and police were stationed outside as staff cleaned up inside. A staff member said, "We reopened based on assurances from the authorities, but there were very few customers."

The Domino's Pizza showroom at Dargah Gate was also vandalised and remains closed, covered with tarpaulin.

KFC's branch in Mirabazar, located in the Royal Park building, was hit hardest. The building, which also houses the yet-to-open Royal Mark Hotel, owned by BNP leaders, was severely damaged. While KFC's outlet was vandalised, the hotel's reception and restaurant areas were also wrecked. Hotel staff were cleaning the site today while police maintained a high presence.

The violence didn't spare the Alpine Restaurant in the Chowhatta area, owned by Zakir Ahmed, the president of the Sylhet district branch of Bangladesh Jasad. Describing the attack, he said, "We had a protest programme scheduled for today. Yesterday, we were having a preparatory meeting when a group from the procession suddenly vandalised my restaurant and even tried to loot the cash box."

The destruction left business owners across Sylhet feeling fearful. Sajib Ahmed, a fast-food vendor in Ambarkhana, said, "Since yesterday's incident, we're all feeling a sense of fear." He added that he was uncertain about stocking certain products, fearing further violence.

Khairul Hossain, president of the Sylhet Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, "These disgraceful incidents have created panic among business owners. Attacks on businesses are a blow to the country's economy."

Mujibur Rahman Mintu, president of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited the affected businesses today, condemning the violence. He said, "Business establishments are the driving force of the country's economy, and attacks on them are completely unacceptable."

He called the actions "despicable and disgraceful" and urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify and bring those involved in these anarchic acts to justice.

Various political parties, including the Sylhet Metropolitan BNP and Basad, took to the streets yesterday evening, using loudspeakers to call for an end to the violence.

Rezaul Hasan Kayes Lodi, acting president of the Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, condemned the actions, calling them part of a larger conspiracy to disrupt the peaceful environment. He demanded that the attackers be identified and legally pursued.

Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, general secretary of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, described the perpetrators as "bandits" and called for their immediate arrest. Former Sylhet City Corporation mayor, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, met with business leaders and urged the end of violence.

The police have arrested 14 individuals in connection with the attacks, and Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Rezaul Karim confirmed that a case had been filed by KFC over the incident. He said, "Efforts are underway to identify and arrest others based on video footage."

Additionally, several looted pairs of shoes from the Bata showroom were recovered after being advertised for sale on Facebook. Ziaul Haque, officer-in-charge of Sylhet Kotwali police station, confirmed the arrest of one person based on the online ad.

As tensions remain high, authorities continue their efforts to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.