Dhaka [Bangladesh]: A violent mob attacked and vandalized the residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka on Wednesday evening, according to Dhaka Tribune. Visuals captured flames engulfing one of the floors of the historic house.
#WATCH | An angry mob vandalized the memorial and residence of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located at Dhanmondi 32 in Bangladesh, demanding a ban on Awami League – the party he founded. (05.02.2025) pic.twitter.com/5rVLXot6f1
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2025
The protesters, reportedly demanding a ban on the Awami League, forced their way into the premises after breaking the gate, causing significant damage, Dhaka Tribune reported, citing UNB.
Local media linked the attack to an online speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Social media posts had earlier called for a “Bulldozer Procession” towards Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhanmondi-32 if Hasina delivered her speech, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.
By 10:45 PM (local time), an excavator had been brought to demolish the house. Protesters, who had gathered in a rally around 8:00 PM, broke into the main gate before proceeding with the vandalism. Many demonstrators reportedly climbed to the second floor, using hammers, crowbars, and wooden planks to destroy portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and damage parts of the historic 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 political figures, including Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a member of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee, also shared posts warning of the attack, Dhaka Tribune reported.
This is not the first time the Dhanmondi-32 residence has been targeted. On August 5, demonstrators had previously attacked the house, causing destruction and setting parts of it on fire, Dhaka Tribune reported.