A popular restaurant, Durbin Bangla, in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area was vandalised for nearly 30 minutes on Friday after a youth became angry when asked to wait for a table, leaving the owners with an estimated Tk25-30 lakh in losses.
The attackers allegedly assaulted several employees, smashed furniture and glass fittings, looted cash and damaged CCTV cameras before removing the recording system’s hard drive, according to the restaurant authorities.
The incident took place around 11am on Friday. The restaurant remained closed on Saturday as the owners began repair work.
Restaurant owner Shafin Baig said the trouble began when a young man arrived alone and demanded to sit at a table reserved for a family of five. A staff member asked him to wait briefly, assuring him that another seat would be arranged soon.
The youth allegedly responded, “I’ll show you who I am,” before calling others to the restaurant.
Three to four youths arrived first and assaulted an employee. More joined them, then began smashing chairs, tables, glass fittings and equipment across the restaurant, including the kitchen and waiting area. Customers fled in panic as the vandalism continued for around half an hour.
Shafin said several employees were beaten and cash was taken from the counter. He estimated the losses at Tk25-30 lakh, although the owners have yet to prepare a detailed inventory of the damaged property and missing cash.
Videos circulating on social media show a group of youths vandalising the restaurant, while police officers are seen trying to stop them. The owners said the attackers also broke CCTV cameras and took the hard drive. Police, however, said they had footage of the incident and were reviewing it to identify those involved.
The restaurant owner and some local residents alleged that the attackers were students of Government Titumir College, with some reportedly linked to a political student organisation. Shafin said he did not want to name any group and expected the police to investigate the matter.
He filed a case with Banani Police Station on Saturday evening.
The officer-in-charge of the police station, Salauddin, said police had launched an investigation and identified those involved. He said efforts were underway to arrest them and that such incidents would not be tolerated. He did not explain why no suspects had been arrested so far.
Some local residents and businesspeople believe the attack went beyond a dispute over seating, alleging that it was an attempt to exert influence and intimidate businesses in the area.
Durbin Bangla, which opened last year, had quickly gained popularity for its traditional Bengali food. According to the owners, its breakfast service regularly drew large crowds, including visitors from outside Dhaka and foreign customers. The restaurant had introduced a token system and a separate waiting area to manage the crowds.
Renovation work began on Saturday, but the owners could not say when the restaurant would reopen.
The incident has raised concerns among local businesses over the safety of employees and establishments, particularly as questions remain over how quickly those responsible will be brought to justice.