IGP orders arrest of individuals behind vandalising shops in Sylhet, other cities during pro-Palestine protests

The  Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, has instructed police officers to arrest the individuals responsible for vandalising shops and businesses in Sylhet and several other cities across the country during the countrywide protests programmes in solidarity with the global strike for Palestine.

"We have video footage of the attackers. They are being identified and will be arrested immediately. Police teams are currently working on this," said IG Alam in a statement on Monday (7 April). 

Protest for Palestine: KFC, Bata, Domino's stores vandalised in various places across country

"The government does not impede any lawful protests. However, we will not tolerate any criminal acts under the guise of protest."

In this regard, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun also made a statement, condemning the incidents. 

"At a time when we are hosting a summit to showcase Bangladesh as an investment destination, it is unfortunate to see our countrymen setting such deplorable examples," he said. 

He further said a lot of these businesses were local investors, some of them were foreigners' who believed in Bangladesh. They all offered employment opportunities to our youth.

"Those who have committed these heinous acts of vandalism are true enemies  of job creation, economic growth, and stability," he added.

The statements come in the backdrop of pro-Palestine protesters vandalising local outlets of American fast food restaurant chains KFC in Sylhet, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal and Cumilla, among other areas.