Widespread looting wrecks Bangladeshi businesses in Mozambique
Not only businesses and shops but also homes are being attacked and looted by criminals. Bangladeshi residents, many of whom live in the country with their families, say they are living in fear and insecurity
In June 2017, Obaidul Haque Chowdhury, a resident of Charati union in Satkania, Chattogram, moved to the southeastern African country Mozambique, seeking a better life.
After working for a year, he started his own business in the country, which currently hosts around 8,000 Bangladeshis, most of whom are from Chattogram.
With his hard-earned money, Obaidul purchased land in the country's capital, Maputo City, and built four shops, including a large warehouse. In these shops, he personally operated three grocery stores.
However, on 23 December, his shops were looted during violence sparked by a court ruling over the country's election results.
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"The looting began right after the court's verdict was announced. The robbers took everything from my shops – goods, iron shelves, electrical wires, even the tin sheets," Obaidul told TBS on 27 December over phone.
"I have an investment of around Tk7-Tk8 crore in this country. Due to the violence, I've suffered losses of around Tk1.5 crore," he added.
Obaidul is not alone. Since the incident, nearly 300 shops and business establishments owned by over 200 Bangladeshi businessmen in Mozambique, have been looted. Many of these entrepreneurs have been rendered penniless overnight.
The presidential election in Mozambique was held on 9 October this year. On 24 October, the results declared the ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo of the FRELIMO Party, as the winner, sparking unrest. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane appealed the results to the country's Constitutional Court.
On 23 December, the Constitutional Court upheld Daniel Chapo's victory. Following the verdict, Venâncio Mondlane rejected the election results and threatened an uprising. This was followed by an unprecedented wave of violent protests and looting across the country. The looting spread across major cities, including the capital Maputo.
"They took everything – iron shelves, electrical wires, even the motors from the refrigerators," said Mohammad Yasin, another Bangladeshi businessman in Mozambique whose businesses also fell victim to looting. His voice trembled as he spoke over the phone.
Mohammad Yasin, a resident of Chambal union in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila, relocated to Mozambique in 2016. He has invested around Tk5 crore in the country, operating a supermarket in the Matola industrial area of Maputo and a wholesale grocery shop selling fish and meat.
According to the Bangladeshi community in Mozambique, Bangladeshis started migrating to the country after 2000. Over the past decade, they have made significant contributions to the country's trade and business sectors alongside Indians and Chinese.
On the looting of Bangladeshi business establishments, Anisur Rahman, convener of the Bangladesh Community in Mozambique, said, "The police were powerless to intervene, and the military remained passive. In fact, the military seems to be aiding the looters, possibly in support of the opposition. The situation is dire."
"We are regularly updating the Bangladesh High Commission in Portugal about the developments," he said.
Not only businesses and shops but also homes are being attacked and looted by criminals. Bangladeshi residents, many of whom live in the country with their families, say they are living in fear and insecurity.
Mujibul Karim, a Mozambican expatriate from Ramu, Cox's Bazar, said, "I invested Tk5 lakh in this country. I have lost everything due to the looting. Now, I am uncertain about my future."
He said, "The criminals are attacking houses. I live in a residential area where there is some security, but it's still not enough."
"We are now keeping watch ourselves at night and sleep during the day. I will return to my country as soon as the situation allows," he added.
Mohammad Yasin said, "My three children are studying here, and I live with my family. Over 1,500 criminals have been released from prison, recently. The looters are attacking homes."
"It's impossible to travel from one city to another. Gas stations are closed, and many have been set on fire. In a few days, there will be no vehicles running," he added.
Anisur, convener of the Bangladeshi community, said, "It is impossible to travel from one city to another. We have paid local police for diesel costs, but still, we can't stop the attacks."
"Individuals of the Bangladeshi community held an online meeting over the issue. Along with Pakistanis, Somalis, and Indians, we have decided to ensure our own security," he said.
Laila Muntazeri Dina, counsellor and charge d'affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal, told TBS, "We are in constant contact with the Bangladeshi community. We have sent a report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have also asked them to provide a list of how many men, women, and children are there."
"Once the ministry makes a decision, we will contact the country's government to take the necessary measures," she added.
