Protesters storm historic Dhanmondi-32 house, set parts of it on fire
Dhaka [Bangladesh], February 6: A violent mob stormed and vandalized the historic residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka on Wednesday evening, setting parts of the building on fire, Dhaka Tribune reported.
Visuals from the scene showed flames on one of the floors of the house, as protesters, allegedly demanding a ban on the ruling Awami League, broke through the main gate and caused widespread destruction.
Attack Linked to Online Calls for Protest
The attack was reportedly linked to an online speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with social media posts earlier calling for a “Bulldozer Procession” towards Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence at Dhanmondi-32 if she delivered her address.
By 10:45 PM (local time), an excavator had been brought to demolish the house, and by 8:00 PM, protesters had forcefully entered the premises, breaking through the gate and vandalizing the property.
Many climbed to the second floor, using hammers, crowbars, and wooden planks to destroy portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and damage sections of the house.
Online Calls for Attack on Dhanmondi-32
Earlier in the day, Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, posted on Facebook:
“Tonight, the land of Bangladesh will be freed from fascism.”
Other figures, including Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inquilab Mancha and a member of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee, also shared posts warning of an attack, Dhaka Tribune reported.
Second Attack on Historic House in Six Months
This is not the first time the Dhanmondi-32 residence has been targeted. On August 5, demonstrators attacked the house, causing destruction and setting parts of it on fire, Dhaka Tribune reported.
The historic residence, which serves as a symbol of Bangladesh’s independence and the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has now faced multiple incidents of vandalism, raising concerns over political tensions and security lapses in the country.