বাংলা | Epaper

বাংলা E-Paper 📍 Dhaka 📅 Monday | 19 October 2026, 3 Kartik 1433 PID registration number 06

HEADLINE

● Media a key pillar of democracy: President ● Fishermen attack MP, officials in Shariatpur; 36 arrested ● What Ishraque said about his resignation ● Ishraque resigns as state minister ● Durga Puja being held in festive spirit in BD: Trivedi ● MPO teachers can contest local polls: Minister ● 'Street-cleaning after Fajr is no longer visible'

2,400 arrested in France amid protest

Published : Monday, 19 October, 2026 at 9:46 AM

Observer Online Report

French police arrested 2,397 people over their alleged involvement in violent protests against the rising cost of living, while 997 police officers and security personnel were injured in clashes with protesters, according to official figures.

The protests turned violent across France on Saturday, October 17, triggering widespread unrest. Of the injured officers, seven were reported to be in serious condition, while around 1,500 shops were damaged.

According to the French Interior Ministry, those arrested were accused of violence, attacking law enforcement personnel, damaging public property and threatening public safety.

Most of the 1,500 damaged shops were looted, Alexandre Bompard, president of the Retail and Trade Federation, said on Sunday. Speaking to LCI television, he estimated that the damage to businesses could amount to “several hundred million euros”, although he said it was too early to provide a precise estimate.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, saying there could be no justification for the unprecedented and uncontrolled unrest.

“We are angry and ashamed today. There can be no justification for the unprecedented and uncontrolled violence,” Macron said, adding that those responsible for destruction, vandalism and looting under the guise of protests would have to face the consequences.

The president also vowed a firm response against rioters, saying senior officials would coordinate with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and businesses.

“It is unbearable to see the streets of our cities being devastated like this,” he said.

Macron also pledged support for businesses affected by the violence.

Sources: France 24

-MT

Also read

Iran warns US, Israel of more devastating response

Prof Yunus, Elon Musk featured on Ravana poster in India

Macron vows stern action against looters

Hatred in their hearts: Trump blames immigrants for unrest in France

Oil tanker on fire after hitting mine in Hormuz

Bomb scare: Tel Aviv-Vienna flight makes emergency landing

Oil prices fall after Trump eases Russia sanctions

I am very worried about election victory: Netanyahu

Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], ‍[email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296

🔝