In an escalation of protest, enraged students and demonstrators set fire to Sudha Sadan, the residence of ousted former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, in the Dhanmondi 5/A area late Wednesday night.

The attack followed the arson of the Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

Both incidents are believed to be reactions to Hasina’s controversial virtual speech earlier in the day, which she delivered to the banned student organization Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

According to Rakibul Hasan, the officer in charge of the Fire Service Headquarters control room, the fire at Sudha Sadan was reported at approximately 11:30 pm. 

Two fire service units were immediately dispatched to the scene but were unable to reach the site due to roadblocks and the presence of thousands of protesters.

Earlier in the evening, at around 8:45 pm, protesters set House No. 32 ablaze. Even past 11 pm, flames continued to rage at the site.

The wave of violent protests erupted after Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power following a student-led uprising and later fled to India, announced her participation in a virtual event organized by the banned Chhatra League. 

Outraged by her appearance, students and members of the public vowed to march to Dhanmondi 32 in defiance.

By 8 pm, large crowds gathered at House No. 32, chanting slogans and calling for the eradication of what they referred to as Hasina’s legacy of authoritarian rule. 

The protest quickly turned violent as demonstrators stormed the premises, vandalizing the house before setting it on fire.

At 10:55 pm, a bulldozer was brought in, and by 11:10 pm, the demolition of the house had begun.

BDST: 0925 HRS, FEB 06, 2025
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