Protesters, including students, demolished the Dhanmondi-32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in response to a speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the banned student organization, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).
The destruction, which began on Wednesday night, continued into Thursday morning (February 6), with protesters dismantling parts of the house in defiance of Hasina’s remarks.
According to the eyewitnesses, demonstrators used tools and heavy machinery to tear down parts of the structure.
Authorities have yet to intervene, and the situation remains tense as the demolition unfolds, Banglanews correspondent reports.
The attack came in the wake of a controversial online speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sparking outrage among certain opposition groups.
Protesters had earlier warned of a “Bulldozer Procession” if Hasina addressed the public, a threat that materialized in a wave of destruction.
By 8 pm, a large group of demonstrators arrived at the site, forcefully breaking open the gates before launching an aggressive vandalism spree.
Armed with hammers, crowbars, and wooden planks, they smashed portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, shattered windows, and defaced key areas of the residence. By 10:45 pm, an excavator was brought in to further the demolition.
Declaring the residence as a symbol of what they called “authoritarian rule and political oppression,” the protesters vowed to eradicate all traces of ‘Mujibism’ from Bangladesh.
Chants calling for the execution of Sheikh Hasina echoed throughout the protest, highlighting the deep-seated resentment among the attackers.
The violence was allegedly incited through social media posts earlier in the day, with figures such as Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, and Sharif Osman Hadi of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee urging supporters to take action.
“Tonight, Bangladesh will be freed from fascism,” read one of the widely circulated posts.
This is not the first time the residence has come under attack. In a previous incident on August 5, following the downfall of the Awami League, demonstrators had vandalized and set parts of the house on fire.
Authorities have yet to respond with an official statement, but the destruction of this site has sent shockwaves through political and historical circles.
BDST: 0925 HRS, FEB 06, 2025
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