The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has instructed law enforcement officials to apprehend those responsible for the vandalism of shops and business establishments in Sylhet and other cities.
In a directive issued on Monday (7 April), the police chief said, “We have video footage of the attackers. They are being identified and will be arrested without delay. Bangladesh Police is actively working on the matter.”
He added that the government does not obstruct any legitimate protest, but warned that criminal activities under the guise of demonstrations would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, on the opening day of a four-day investment summit, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, condemned the attacks on businesses as a “disgraceful display”.
“When we are hosting a summit to showcase Bangladesh positively as an investment destination, such despicable incidents are deeply regrettable,” he said.
“Many of these businesses are run by local investors; some are foreign investors who placed their trust in Bangladesh. All of them have created employment opportunities for our youth.”
He further stated that “those who carried out this heinous vandalism are enemies of employment, economic growth and national stability”.
