Can we overcome this destructive mentality?

On April 7, Bangladesh witnessed a disturbing incident when a group of individuals attacked Bata and KFC showrooms, supposedly in protest against the ongoing massacre in Gaza and in solidarity with the Palestinian people. At least 16 establishments in six districts were targeted for allegedly selling Israeli products.

According to the police reports, five stores were attacked in Cox's Bazar, three in Chattogram, five in Sylhet, four in Gazipur, one in Cumilla, and one in Bogura. These attacks—accompanied by theft, vandalism, and destruction—quickly spread across social media. Among the images circulating was one created by artificial intelligence, showing individuals running off with stolen shoes. Each time that image surfaces, it feels like a slap in the face—a moment of national shame. Bangladesh has rarely felt such disgrace.

The controversy surrounding these attacks becomes even more perplexing when we consider the origins of the establishments targeted. The Israeli company linked to Bata has clarified that it is not Israeli, but was founded in the Czech Republic in 1894 during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Similarly, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), which was also attacked, originated in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and was founded by Colonel Sanders, a Christian. Despite these companies having no direct ties to Israel, the question remains: why were they targeted? Was there a valid reason behind these attacks, or were they simply an excuse to wreak havoc?

The damage is done. But what makes this incident particularly alarming is its timing—just as Bangladesh was hosting a major four-day ‘investment conference.’ Over 600 representatives, including investors from 40 countries, such as the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea, were attending. What will these international investors think after seeing such chaos? Will they feel safe enough to invest in Bangladesh? Many have already expressed hesitation about investing in the country due to political instability, security concerns, and recent episodes of mob justice. Given the rise of extremist religious groups and now these senseless acts of violence, it’s not hard to imagine how this incident could tarnish the image of Bangladesh as a stable investment destination.

The tragedy is that what could have been a powerful, legitimate protest against the Gaza massacre has now been overshadowed by violence and looting. This global movement against the Gaza violence, which had sparked widespread awakening, first in the United States and then in several African countries, including Morocco, was marred by the chaos in Bangladesh. Instead of focusing on the core issue of the Gaza conflict, the conversation has shifted to images of people looting shoes. Just as a single drop of lime can ruin an entire batch of milk, a few reckless individuals have clouded the noble cause of many, reducing it to an embarrassing spectacle.

But who are these attackers, and what motivated them? One camp blames extremist fanatics, while others argue that members of the ruling party orchestrated the attacks to discredit the government. This blame-shifting culture is nothing new in Bangladesh. However, the reality remains: the attackers are Bangladeshis, regardless of their affiliations. Whether they were motivated by political incitement or misguided zeal, their actions—looting and vandalizing stores under the guise of protest—reveal a deeper, more insidious problem. These individuals, hiding behind the mask of mob justice, are engaging in opportunistic theft and destruction. This is the uncomfortable truth that we must confront.

We must commend the government’s firm stance against these acts of violence. But addressing this problem requires more than just a strong law enforcement response. The culture of looting and violence we are witnessing has been a persistent issue for years, particularly when it involves big businesses and politicians. It’s a symptom of a larger societal issue that goes beyond political or religious affiliations. How do we break free from this mentality? Can the nation’s ideals and values be improved by merely implementing the recommendations of a few reform committees, or do we need a larger, more profound intellectual movement?

The harsh reality is that unless we foster a culture of rationality, respect for others, and accountability, overcoming this destructive mentality will remain a distant dream. It is not enough to denounce the violence; we must address the deeper issues that allow such destructive behavior to thrive. The mentality that equates protest with destruction needs to be eradicated. Until we confront this deeply ingrained issue head-on, Bangladesh will continue to face the painful consequences of a society that too often confuses protest with violence.