Title: Violent Protests in Bangladesh Over Misguided Beliefs – A Worrying Trend
Something truly bizarre is happening in India’s neighboring country, Bangladesh. The situation is so odd that the only word that fits is strange—because it truly makes no sense. Across several cities in Bangladesh, people have begun attacking stores of brands like Bata, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Domino’s, and the manner of these attacks has shocked the world.
These acts of vandalism are being captured in viral videos circulating on social media. Whether it’s KFC outlets being stormed or Pizza Hut branches being destroyed—there’s chaos. Even Bata, a shoe brand with absolutely no political associations, has not been spared. People have looted products and even danced after their rampage, turning these protests into scenes of absurd celebration.
Why is this happening?
You might be wondering—what on earth has triggered such targeted aggression toward these unrelated brands? A journalist from Bangladesh addressed this question in an article published by The Business Standard titled “The March of the Ignorant.” The article outlines how these protests began as demonstrations against Israel’s actions in Gaza—something many across the world are protesting.
While peaceful protests against perceived injustice are completely justified, the brands being attacked in Bangladesh have no ties to Israel. Yet due to misinformation and fake news spreading like wildfire on social media, many people now wrongly believe that brands like Domino’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Puma, and Bata are somehow linked to Israel or its government.
What’s the truth about these brands?
Let’s clarify a few facts:
- Bata is not an Indian company, as some might assume. It’s a European brand, and currently, it doesn’t even operate any stores in Israel.
- Domino’s is an American pizza chain, again with no affiliations to Israel.
- KFC has tried to enter the Israeli market in the past but has exited multiple times. Its presence there has been minimal and inconsistent.
These brands are not part of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, which targets companies directly involved in or supportive of Israel’s actions in occupied territories. The BDS movement advocates peaceful and economic resistance—not violent mobs destroying property.
Understanding the BDS movement
The BDS movement is an international campaign that promotes non-violent protests against companies that support Israeli policies in Palestine. For example, the movement heavily targets Microsoft, which reportedly provides cloud and AI services to the Israeli military. This has led to a wave of anti-Microsoft sentiment in several countries. Recently, a Microsoft employee even protested publicly at an event attended by Bill Gates and Satya Nadella, stating: “I am a Microsoft worker, and your services are supporting genocide.”
Even in countries like Pakistan, similar protests have occurred against fast-food chains—but they’ve largely remained peaceful. What’s concerning about Bangladesh is the increasingly violent nature of the protests.
A National Crisis Brewing
This is no longer just about protests. Political parties in Bangladesh, including the ruling Awami League, have raised alarms, warning that extremism is on the rise. They’ve even gone as far as stating that “Bangladesh could become the next Afghanistan” if the current path continues. Their message to the global community is clear: Act now. Engage. Speak up. Because the cost of inaction may destabilize not just Bangladesh—but the entire region.
Misinformation is now a serious threat, and it’s fueling unnecessary hatred and destruction. When people begin attacking brands based on false narratives, the potential consequences are far-reaching.
The Economic Ripple Effect – Opportunity for Indian Brands?
Interestingly, while American brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are facing economic boycotts in several Muslim-majority countries, Indian brands might benefit. For example, Reliance has recently revived Campa Cola, aiming to fill the void left by Coke and Pepsi in these markets.
Campa Cola’s visibility has already started increasing, not just in India but also in Middle Eastern countries, where anti-Western sentiment is pushing demand for non-Western products. As Coke and Pepsi lose ground, Indian soft drink brands may find an unexpected global opportunity.
Conclusion: A Matter of Regional Stability
As Indians, we must remain alert and concerned about what’s unfolding in Bangladesh. When a neighboring nation descends into politically-fueled chaos, it’s not just their problem—it’s a regional concern. Whether it’s violence against brands or extremist ideologies gaining traction, such trends can easily spill across borders.
The global community, particularly countries in South Asia, must keep a close watch. Bangladesh is calling for help—not in charity, but in wisdom, diplomacy, and truth. If we ignore it now, we might pay a much bigger price later.