Looting in Bangladesh: When Justice Protests Turn to Destruction
In recent days, looting in Bangladesh has erupted across several cities a tragic twist in what were meant to be peaceful protests against Israel’s aggression in Gaza. What started as a heartfelt demonstration of solidarity turned into chaos, where emotions ran high and order broke down.
Shattered shop windows, terrified business owners, and unemployed youth the aftermath paints a troubling picture. This isn’t just about international conflict anymore. This is a story of how our streets became battlegrounds, not for justice, but for opportunistic violence.
Widespread Arrests Following Looting in Bangladesh
At least 50 individuals have been arrested following the looting in Bangladesh tied to the recent protest wave. According to police sources, 31 were arrested in Khulna, 14 in Sylhet, 4 in Gazipur, and 1 in Chattogram. Cox’s Bazar and Cumilla remain under investigation, with law enforcement reviewing CCTV footage to identify more suspects.
Khulna: A City Rattled by Looting and Fear
Nowhere was the looting in Bangladesh more visible than in Khulna, where the Butter showroom and KFC food court were heavily damaged. Police used video surveillance to identify and arrest 31 individuals connected to the looting and vandalism. “We’re taking legal action,” said ADC Md Ahsan Habib. “But the emotional toll is just as severe business owners are shaken. This was their livelihood.”
Gazipur: Signs of Protest or Signals of Crime?
In Gazipur, protestors went after restaurant signs and storefronts, leading to the arrest of four men. The looting in Bangladesh here didn’t just result in property loss it left deep psychological scars for small business owners who were caught off guard. “These weren’t just protests they were premeditated attacks,” said Hafizul Islam, ADPC. “We’re tracking those who incited and enabled these crimes.”
Sylhet: Facebook Ads Lead to Loot Recovery
Even in Sylhet, where the spirit of resistance is strong, looting in Bangladesh reached disturbing levels. Thirteen suspects were detained, with police even recovering stolen shoes being sold via Facebook a stark reminder that real crime hides behind digital curtains too. “We’re watching, we’re listening,” said SMP Commissioner Rezaul Karim. “The internet doesn’t make looting invisible.”
Read more: Disaster for Development? Samsung Pulls $22B from Bangladesh – BIDA’s Shocking Statement
Cox’s Bazar: Tourists Caught in the Crossfire
In the beach town of Cox’s Bazar, the violence was particularly disturbing. Protestors vandalized over 20 establishments including KFC, Pizza Hut, and local eateries citing Israeli affiliation. But the looting in Bangladesh led to tourist injuries, broken windows, and frightened children. What message does this send to the world? When protests turn violent, even the innocent suffer.
Chattogram: Malls and Brands Under Siege
In Chattogram, looters smashed windows at Sanmar Ocean City Mall, attacked a KFC outlet, and tore down Coca-Cola signs. Protest turned mob violence. This was looting in Bangladesh on a disturbing scale — where brands became symbols of conflict, and shops became easy prey.
Barishal and Cumilla: Fear Without Arrests
In Barishal, attackers climbed rooftops to rip down KFC logos. In Cumilla, glass was broken, but arrests remain pending. Here too, looting in Bangladesh left its scars, even if the law is still catching up.
The Economic Consequences of Looting in Bangladesh
What is specially tragic is the timing. On the first day of a high-profile investment summit, Bangladesh’s image as a safe economic hub was severely damaged. “This is devastating,” said BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun. “These businesses represent jobs, trust, and hope. Looting in Bangladesh doesn’t just hurt brands it hurts our young people, our economy, and our global reputation.”
Looting in Bangladesh Is Not Justice
It’s one thing to stand for Palestine. It’s another to loot your own country in that name. Let’s be clear: Looting in Bangladesh doesn’t make us stronger. It doesn’t free Gaza. It weakens us. It dishonors peaceful protest. It creates new victims from our own neighborhoods. We must separate passion from destruction, justice from violence.
