Dhaka: Outrage over the ongoing Israel-Gaza war has spilled into the streets of Bangladesh, where a growing number of protestors are targeting global food and footwear chains—including KFC, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Bata. Videos emerging from cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet show angry mobs smashing storefronts, throwing shoes, and chanting anti-Israel slogans.
Why global brands? Why now?
The unrest started as peaceful demonstrations in support of Palestinians. But things escalated quickly. Protesters began associating Western brands with support for Israel—some based on vague online claims, others out of sheer frustration with international silence over Gaza. What followed was a wave of coordinated vandalism across at least 12 cities.
Who’s behind these attacks?
Most of the protestors are part of grassroots Islamic groups, students, and community members deeply shaken by the images and reports emerging from Gaza. Their anger, though rooted in international events, is being expressed locally—sometimes irrationally. Reports even mention attacks on unrelated businesses, raising concerns about opportunistic violence under the cover of protest.
Do these brands have any ties to Israel?
No confirmed direct links exist between these brands and the Israeli government. KFC and Pizza Hut are American-based franchises. Bata is Swiss-headquartered, with historic roots in Europe. While some of these companies have outlets in Israel, equating them with political alignment is a stretch. Yet, for many on the streets, the nuance is lost—symbolism now outweighs fact.
What else is boiling beneath the surface in Bangladesh?
This anger didn’t erupt in isolation. The country is still dealing with the political aftermath of last year’s massive student-led uprising against the Awami League’s war quota policy. That movement led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise of an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh has been tense ever since—one spark away from flare-up.
Is this just anti-Israel anger or something more?
At its core, the outrage is about Gaza. But the way it’s unfolding—targeting Western businesses, fanning communal tensions, and exposing policing gaps—suggests deeper unrest. Social media is also playing a huge role, spreading unverified brand boycotts and amplifying outrage.
What does this mean for India and the region?
India is watching closely. After granting asylum to Sheikh Hasina, diplomatic ties with Bangladesh became fragile. But a recent meeting between PM Modi and Muhammad Yunus in Thailand during the BIMSTEC summit has hinted at a soft reset. For both countries, regional stability depends on how this wave of protests is handled—and whether public anger can be defused before it explodes again.
