Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 10th April 2025, 11:19 PM
SYLHET, 10 April 2025 (BSS) — A case has been filed against approximately 800 unidentified individuals in relation to an attack and subsequent vandalism at several business establishments in Sylhet. The incident occurred during a protest rally condemning Israeli actions in Gaza.
Mustafizur Rahman, area manager of Bata Sylhet, lodged the case on Wednesday. This is the second case to be filed following the attack on multiple businesses, including the Bata showroom.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ziaul Haque of Kotwali Model Police Station confirmed that two cases had been registered in connection with the attack and vandalism, which took place on 8 April. So far, 21 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Abdul Matin Sarkar, owner of Royal Mark Hotel, also filed a separate case against 30-40 unidentified individuals for vandalising his hotel. He reported that valuables worth Taka 20-25 lakh were looted during the attack.
The violence erupted on 8 April, following a protest rally in Sylhet condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. From approximately 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, demonstrators attacked and looted 13 businesses in the city, including popular establishments such as Bata, KFC, and Domino’s Pizza.
The businesses affected by the attacks were:
| Business Establishment | Type of Business | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Bata | Footwear Retailer | Vandalism |
| KFC | Fast Food Restaurant | Vandalism and Looting |
| Domino’s Pizza | Pizza Restaurant | Vandalism and Looting |
| Royal Mark Hotel | Hotel | Looted valuables (Taka 20-25 lakh) |
| 10 Other Shops | Varied | Vandalism and Looting |
The protest was organised in response to the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, which have drawn widespread condemnation from international communities. However, the demonstration escalated into an uncontrolled mob, leading to significant damage across several businesses in Sylhet.
The attacks have raised concerns over the security of commercial establishments in the city, with local authorities promising to take strict action. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests are expected as more individuals are identified.
With both cases filed and initial arrests made, local police are actively working to identify the remaining individuals involved in the attacks. Authorities have promised to strengthen measures to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of business owners and their properties in the region.
As the situation develops, the local community remains on high alert, and business owners are calling for greater security measures to protect their establishments from further disturbances.
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