The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly condemned the vandalism and looting that occurred during anti-Israel demonstrations across several parts of the country on Monday, blaming the government and law enforcement agencies for failing to prevent the violence.
Speaking at a protest rally on Dhaka University campus on Tuesday, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We will boycott Israeli products, but that does not mean we will attack any business establishment. What happened yesterday reflects the incompetence of both the government and the police.”
The rally, organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was held at the Raju Memorial Sculpture to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and denounce the ongoing Israeli assaults on Gaza and Rafah.
Salahuddin criticized the attacks on local businesses carried out under the guise of supporting the Palestinian cause, stating that such actions are "completely unacceptable" and do not align with the spirit of peaceful protest.
“If the government had taken the right precautions, these unfortunate incidents could have been avoided,” he added.
According to law enforcement sources, 49 individuals have been arrested in connection with the vandalism and looting that erupted during Monday’s protests in multiple cities. Two separate cases have been filed, and investigations are ongoing.
The Chief Adviser’s Office, in a statement posted on its verified Facebook account, called the incidents a “direct threat to public safety and the rule of law,” assuring that those responsible will be brought to justice.
The BNP, while reaffirming its support for the Palestinian cause, urged demonstrators to maintain peace and restraint in future protests.
