49 arrested for vandalising shops and businesses

Police have arrested 49 people responsible for vandalising shops and business establishments in Sylhet and several other cities in the country while protesting the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza on Monday. 

Confirming the matter, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said in a statement that Bangladesh Police has responded promptly to arrest the miscreants. 

Two cases have been filed so far in the incident and more cases are under process, he added. 

Earlier on Monday night, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam instructed police officers to arrest those responsible for vandalising shops and business establishments in Sylhet and several other cities. 

"We have video footage of the attackers. They are being identified and will be arrested immediately. Police teams are currently working on this," he said.

"The government does not impede any lawful protests. However, we will not tolerate any criminal acts under the guise of protest,” the IGP said in a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing tonight.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said: “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 a lot of these businesses were local investors, some of them were invested by 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," the BIDA chief said.