TOB Report, Dhaka-
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across predominantly Muslim Bangladesh on Monday, denouncing the Israeli military’s attacks on unarmed civilians in Gaza.
The demonstrations, marked by widespread vandalism, targeted American food chains such as KFC and Domino’s Pizza, as well as international brands like Bata, accused of selling Israeli products.
The protests coincided with a globally observed “No Work, No School” movement in solidarity with the Gaza.
In Dhaka and other major cities, students, activists, and professional groups joined rallies, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards with slogans such as “Show Israel the Red Card,” “Free Palestine,” and “Stop Genocide in Gaza.”
Demonstrators gathered at prominent locations including the US Embassy, the Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka University Campus, and Manik Mia Avenue in the capital Dhaka.
In Sylhet, protesters vandalized local outlets of KFC and Domino’s Pizza, accusing them of selling Coca-Cola and other Israeli-linked products.
Sylhet Kotwali Police Station’s chief Ziaul Haque confirmed the attacks and added that a nearby Bata showroom in Dargah Gate was also damaged.
Witnesses reported that protesters warned there would be no tolerance for businesses linked to Israel in Bangladesh.
In Cox’s Bazar, at least 20 restaurants and other commercial establishments were damaged for allegedly selling goods linked to Israel.
Protesters also tore down Pepsi-branded signage.
Ilias Khan, a police officer in Cox’s Bazar, said the procession was part of the global “World Stops for Gaza” initiative. “Police were present, but some protesters resorted to vandalism in protest of Israeli-linked products,” he said.
Similar incidents were reported in the northern town of Bogura, where a Bata showroom was attacked.
In the capital, thousands gathered in front of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, chanting slogans like “Long Live Palestine” and “Free, Free Palestine.”
The rally was organized by various Islamic parties including Khelafat Majlis and Jatiya Olama Mashayekh A’immah Parishad.
Photos from Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka and the northern town of Kurigram showed protesters dressed in Arab-style robes, wearing headscarves and carrying toy guns in symbolic defiance.
Educational institutions across the country suspended classes and exams as part of the “No Work, No School” campaign.
Students from various schools, colleges, and universities joined rallies, processions, and human chains demanding justice for Palestinians.
At Dhaka University, protesters told reporters that they had taken to the streets because of the silence and inaction of world leaders.
“We demand immediate freedom for the Palestinian people and the prosecution of Israeli leaders for war crimes,” one protester said.
Employees of private organizations also joined the protests at different locations in Dhaka.
Additional police forces were deployed in the diplomatic zones of Gulshan and Baridhara to ensure security as a group of demonstrators attempted to march toward the US Embassy in Baridhara.
Tareq Mahmud, a local police officer, said that security around the embassy had been intensified to prevent any untoward incidents.
Protesters gathered in small groups, causing temporary traffic disruptions there before dispersing peacefully. Army personnel were seen stationed near the US Embassy from early morning, and passersby were subject to security checks.
Large-scale protests were also reported in districts such as Cumilla, Narsingdi, Chandpur, Pabna, Rajshahi, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Netrakona, and Kishoreganj.
Since Israel launched its offensive on Gaza in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 115,000 injured in the 365-square-kilometer enclave, home to 2.4 million people.
According to the United Nations, nearly 69 percent of Gaza’s buildings have been destroyed or damaged due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes.