New Delhi [India]: India has strongly condemned the vandalism of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhaka, calling the incident “regrettable.”
Responding to media queries regarding the attack, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on February 5, 2025.”
“All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh. This act of vandalism should be strongly condemned,” he added.
According to Dhaka Tribune, a mob attacked the residence on Wednesday, setting parts of the building on fire. Visuals from the scene showed flames engulfing one of the floors.
The attackers, reportedly demanding a ban on the Awami League, forced their way onto the premises after breaking open the gate, causing extensive damage, as per Dhaka Tribune citing UNB.
Local media reports linked the violence to an online speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Social media posts had earlier called for a “Bulldozer Procession” toward the residence at Dhanmondi-32 if Sheikh Hasina delivered her address, according to Dhaka Tribune.
By 10:45 PM (local time), an excavator had reportedly arrived to demolish the house. Protesters, who had gathered in a rally around 8 PM, stormed inside after breaking the main gate. Many were seen climbing to the second floor, using hammers, crowbars, and wooden planks to destroy portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and damage sections of the historic building.