The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has blamed the government and police for failing to contain the vandalism and looting that took place during anti-Israel protests across the country on Monday. The party condemned the violence and described it as a direct result of the authorities' lack of precautionary measures, reports UNB.
Speaking at a protest rally at Dhaka University on Tuesday, BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed denounced the attacks on businesses, emphasizing that the party supports the boycott of Israeli products, but not the destruction of private property. "We will boycott Israeli products, but that does not mean we will attack any business establishment," Salahuddin said. The rally, organized by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was held at the Raju Memorial Sculpture to express solidarity with Palestinians and protest against Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza and Rafah.
Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, stated that some business establishments were targeted during Monday’s protests under the guise of boycotting Israeli goods. "We denounce such acts. The failure of the government and law enforcement agencies was evident here. They should have taken precautions in advance," he added.
The BNP argued that if the government had implemented the necessary measures in response to the anti-Israel protests, the unrest could have been avoided, and the people of Bangladesh would not have faced the embarrassment of the incidents that unfolded.
In response to the violence, police have arrested 49 individuals in connection with the vandalism and looting in several cities. These incidents have been deemed a threat to public safety and the rule of law, as noted in a statement from the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page on Tuesday.
Two cases related to the unrest have been filed, and further investigations are ongoing as authorities work to address the damage caused by the protests. The BNP continues to demand that the government take responsibility for the lack of foresight and preparation in preventing such incidents.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
