Massive protests in Bangladesh this week over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza spiraled into violence, with demonstrators vandalizing and looting outlets of international companies like KFC, Pizza Hut, Puma, and Bata. These brands were wrongly believed to have links with Israel, prompting attacks across cities including Dhaka, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, Cumilla, and Chattogram.

Demonstrators, rallying in solidarity with Palestinians, raised slogans against Israeli actions and US President Donald Trump, blaming him for supporting Israel. The unrest comes at a sensitive time for Bangladesh, which is preparing to host its first global investment summit under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, hoping to attract foreign investments amid a weakening economy.

Law enforcement responded with swift crackdowns, arresting over 70 individuals involved in the riots. Viral footage showed protestors smashing glass storefronts, looting merchandise, and destroying property. One clip showed bricks being hurled at a Bata store before individuals rushed in to steal shoes, some of which later surfaced on local online marketplaces.

Outlets of KFC and Puma were also targeted, with mobs using sticks and stones to damage the premises. Despite the frenzy, most of the companies attacked have no direct connection to Israel.

Misinformation Behind Attacks

According to The Dhaka Tribune, the targeted attacks were based on social media misinformation. Protestors falsely believed that the brands had Israeli affiliations.

Bata, for example, is a Czech-origin company that has been operating in Bangladesh since 1962. In a statement, the company denounced the violence and clarified that it had no political involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“We have no links to Israel whatsoever. The damage done to our stores in Bangladesh appears to be the result of baseless misinformation,” Bata said.

Similarly, Puma – a German sportswear brand – faced backlash on social media for its past sponsorship of the Israel Football Association in 2018. However, that agreement ended in 2024.

Domino’s Pizza outlets, which are operated in Bangladesh by India’s Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, were also damaged. Criticism toward the brand stemmed from viral images last year showing staff in Israel donating food to soldiers and publicly supporting Israeli troops.

KFC, an American fast-food chain, came under scrutiny for acquiring an Israeli tech firm, Tictuk Technologies, in 2021. The company also operates outlets in Israel, which drew further anger despite no political statements being made recently.

Growing Unrest, Economic Concerns

This wave of protests echoes last year’s student-led unrest that destabilized parts of Bangladesh. Now, with tensions rising again, authorities are under pressure to ensure peace ahead of the crucial investment conference.

China and other Global South allies are being closely watched for their stance on the evolving situation, especially as trade and investment landscapes continue to shift.