BNP criticises govt over vandalism during anti-Israel protests

NN Online:

The BNP on Tuesday condemned the vandalism and looting during Monday’s anti-Israel protests across the country, saying the incidents exposed the government and police’s failure to take adequate precautionary measures.

“We will boycott Israeli products, but that does not mean we will attack any business establishment,” said party senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed while addressing a protest rally on the Dhaka University campus.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at the Raju Memorial Sculpture to express solidarity with the people of Palestine and protest against the genocide and barbaric attacks in Gaza and Rafah by Israeli occupation forces.

Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, said some business establishments came under attacks in the name of boycotting Israeli products on Monday.

“We denounce such acts. The failure of the government and law enforcement agencies was evident here. They should have taken precautions in advance,” he said.

The BNP said had the government taken the proper measures during response to the demonstrations against Israeli aggression and mass killings, the people of Bangladesh would not have suffered the disgrace of these untoward incidents.

Police have already arrested 49 people in connection with the acts of vandalism and looting that took place during anti-Israel protests in several cities of the country on Monday.

These unlawful actions are seen as a direct threat to public safety and the rule of law, according to a statement posted on the chief adviser’s verified Facebook account on Tuesday.

Already two cases related to the vandalism were filed by the police and further investigations are underway.