Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Sylhet in connection with the vandalism and looting of a Bata showroom during a protest march held on Monday, which was organised to denounce Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
According to police, the suspects had posted advertisements for selling stolen shoes on various Facebook pages and profiles. They were identified and tracked down with the help of digital surveillance and technology.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sylhet Kotwali Police Station, Ziaul Haque, confirmed the arrests. “They were detained during overnight raids,” he said, adding that the looted items, including shoes, were also recovered during the operation.
The arrests took place following the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baharul Alam, issued a directive to arrest those involved in attacks on shops and business establishments across the country, including in Sylhet.
“We have video footage of the attackers. Identification is underway, and arrests will follow promptly. Police teams are actively working on this,” the IGP said.
Meanwhile, a statement released by the press wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office on Tuesday revealed that at least 49 people have been arrested in connection with attacks and looting at several outlets of international footwear brand Bata and American fast food chain KFC in Sylhet, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and other locations.