A group of miscreants attacked, vandalized, and looted several shops and restaurants in Sylhet under the guise of participating in an anti-Israel protest. The Sylhet Metropolitan Police arrested 14 individuals following the incident during an overnight operation. The arrests were confirmed by Sylhet Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ziaul Haque on Tuesday morning.
The arrested individuals include Md. Rajan, Emon (19), Md. Rakib (19), Md. Abdul Motaleb (35), Mizan Ahmed (30), Sabbir Ahmed (19), Junaid Ahmed (19), Md. Robin Mia (20), Syed Al-Amin Tushar (29), Mostaqin Ahmed Tuhin (19), Md. Delwar Hossain (30), Md. Riyad (24), Md. Tuhin (24), and Al Nafiu (19).
OC Ziaul Haque stated that the miscreants took advantage of the anti-Israel protests, attacking, vandalizing, and looting establishments. One of the looted items included shoes from the Bata showroom, and advertisements for these items were later found on various Facebook pages. Following the investigation, the suspects were arrested along with the stolen shoes during the raid. Legal action will be taken against them as per the country’s laws.
The protest, which took place on Monday, was part of a nationwide demonstration against Israel’s actions in Palestine. However, some individuals used the protest as an opportunity to carry out looting and vandalism in various parts of Sylhet, including Dargah Gate, Chowhatta, Mirboxtula, and Zindabazar. Several businesses, including KFC and Domino's Pizza, were also targeted. In response to the incidents, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam ordered swift arrests of those responsible for the damage to business establishments across multiple cities, including Sylhet.
