Why Bangladeshis Are Attacking Bata, Pizza Hut, KFC Shops

What began as widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Bangladesh became an all-out assault on main worldwide manufacturers. Because the Israeli offensive in Gaza intensified during the last couple of weeks, protesters turned violent, vandalising Bata, Pizza Hut and KFC shops.

In cities and cities throughout Bangladesh – together with Dhaka, Bogra, Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar – massive crowds gathered to voice assist for Gaza. The demonstrations, initially peaceable, quickly turned violent, focusing on shops believed to have hyperlinks to Israel.

In Bogra, a gaggle of protestors vandalised a Bata showroom, smashing glass partitions. The group marched from native academic establishments earlier than zeroing in on the shop, in line with Dhaka Tribune.

In Sylhet, KFC turned a focus of protest. Demonstrators broken merchandise and delicate drinks related to Israeli firms. In the meantime, in Cox’s Bazar, protestors hurled stones at signboards of Pizza Hut and KFC, breaking home windows and vandalising property.

Comparable scenes performed out in Chittagong, the place KFC and Pizza Hut shops had been broken.

On social media, a number of movies and pictures confirmed mobs vandalising properties throughout cities in Bangladesh.

Bata, KFC, and Pizza Hut shops vandalised throughout nationwide protests in #Bangladesh over Israeli actions in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/ilUU6qHx9U

— The Federal (@TheFederal_News) April 9, 2025

SHOCKING NEWS ???? Bangladeshi radicals assault Pizza Hut, KFC, Bata shops.

They stated these are Israel-linked companies.

Mob is holding nationwide anti-Israel protests in Bangladesh. They even looted Pizzas & sneakers.

Overseas buyers should suppose twice earlier than investing in… pic.twitter.com/fHCXe9TeZx

— Instances Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) April 8, 2025

A large protest march was organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Chattogram Metropolis in solidarity with #Palestine.#GlobalStrikeForGaza #FreeGaza #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/xJr3kBbdQ3

— Basherkella – বাঁশেরকেল্লা (@basherkella) April 8, 2025

Amid rising chaos, Bata issued a robust response refuting claims about its alleged political affiliations. “Bata Globally is a privately held, family-owned firm based within the Czech Republic, with no political ties to the battle. It’s deeply regrettable that a few of our retail places in Bangladesh have not too long ago been subjected to vandalism, apparently triggered by these false narratives,” the corporate stated in a press release, in line with Dhaka Tribune.

The Inspector Normal of Police, Baharul Alam, has instructed officers throughout the nation to determine and arrest these concerned within the vandalism. Authorities are combing by means of video footage to pinpoint culprits, warning that any type of violence underneath the guise of protest wouldn’t be tolerated.

The safety was heightened close to the US Embassy in Dhaka, the place protestors raised anti-American slogans – some even directed at US President Donald Trump.

The unrest has deepened the political rift between the caretaker authorities and the opposition. Whereas interim chief Dr Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence, the Awami League – led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – accused the federal government of permitting extremism to fester.