Police have arrested Ishtiaq Noor Chowdhury Jihan, son of a local Awami League leader, for allegedly leading a mob that vandalized and looted a Bata shoe store in Sylhet during a pro-Palestine rally.
Jihan was apprehended from the Bimanbandar area of Sylhet on Friday night (April 11), following a raid based on a tip-off. He is the son of Moniruzzaman Chowdhury, a local Awami League leader, although police have yet to confirm his official party position.
According to Sylhet Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ziaul Haque, the attack took place on April 7, when pro-Palestinian protestors stormed through the city, targeting various businesses under the guise of demonstrations. “Jihan was identified as the ringleader behind the attack on the Bata showroom in Purbo Zindabazar,” said OC Haque. “We are continuing operations to arrest others involved.”
The protests, held in response to alleged Israeli atrocities in Gaza, escalated into widespread violence and looting. Between 4 PM and 5:30 PM that day, at least 13 shops, restaurants, superstores, and business outlets were vandalized and looted. Merchants claim additional scattered lootings also occurred throughout the city.
Liberty News’ crime correspondent states that so far, three cases have been filed at Kotwali Model Police Station, naming 1,740 unidentified individuals. Of those, 25 have been arrested, including Jihan. Following his arrest, Jihan was presented before a court, which ordered him to be sent to jail.
LND/BG
