A group of protesters vandalised the Dhaka residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on Wednesday evening, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Footage showed flames emanating from one of the floors of the historic house.
The mob, reportedly calling for a ban on the ruling Awami League, broke through the gate and entered the premises, causing significant damage, as per reports from Dhaka Tribune, citing UNB.
The protest is believed to be linked to a speech made earlier by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Social media posts had previously called for a “Bulldozer Procession” towards the residence in Dhanmondi-32 if Hasina spoke. By 10:45 PM local time, an excavator was brought in to demolish the house.
The protestors, who gathered around 8 PM, forced their way in by breaking down the main gate and began vandalising the property. Some climbed to the second floor and used tools like hammers, crowbars, and wooden planks to destroy portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and damage parts of the house.
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, such as Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a member of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee, also shared warnings of the attack.
This is not the first time the Dhanmondi 32 residence has been targeted. On August 5, a similar attack took place, leading to destruction and parts of the building being set on fire, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
