A wave of violent attacks and arson swept across at least 35 districts of Bangladesh on Thursday, targeting the homes and offices of Awami League leaders, key government institutions, and historical landmarks associated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The unrest, which began late Wednesday, saw the destruction of sculptures, murals, and nameplates of Bangladesh’s founding father, with authorities struggling to contain the escalating chaos.
Destruction in the Heart of the Capital
In a shocking turn of events, student protesters stormed Dhanmondi 32—Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence—on Wednesday night, vandalizing and ultimately demolishing the building using a bulldozer. Witnesses reported that looters ransacked the premises, taking away furniture, iron structures, and other items. By Thursday morning, smoke and debris littered the area, painting a grim picture of the destruction.
Additionally, Sudha Sadan, the private residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhanmondi-5, was set ablaze. Firefighters were unable to respond due to security concerns, leaving the flames to smolder into the following morning.
Coordinated Attacks on Awami League Leaders
Beyond the capital, homes and offices of senior Awami League leaders came under siege:
- In Noakhali, the residence of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader was attacked.
- In Bhola, protesters targeted the home of veteran leader Tofail Ahmed.
- Amir Hossain Amu’s residences in Jhalokathi and Barishal were vandalized.
- In Naogaon, the home of Sadhan Chandra Majumder was set on fire.
- Shahriar Alam’s residence in Rajshahi and Abul Hasanat Abdullah’s property in Barishal were also among the targets.
- Jamalpur witnessed the torching of the ancestral home of actress and filmmaker Meher Afroz Shaon.
Government and International Response
Amid the nationwide unrest, the interim government condemned the violence, attributing the attacks to rising public outrage over Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks made during her visit to India. Dhaka lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the Indian High Commission, expressing concerns over her statements and their potential impact on Bangladesh’s stability.
Human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) issued a strong statement denouncing the widespread vandalism and arson, calling for restraint from both protesters and authorities.
When questioned about the police response, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali insisted that efforts were made to control the situation, adding that he was personally on the ground until late at night. However, reports indicate that law enforcement remained largely inactive as the violence spread.
Looting and Celebrations Amidst the Chaos
The destruction at Dhanmondi 32 did not end with arson. Throughout Thursday, individuals continued dismantling remnants of the historic site, carrying away burnt books, steel structures, and even coconut trees felled during the destruction.
In a bizarre turn of events, a group slaughtered a cow near the ruins of the house and prepared biryani, framing it as a “celebration” of their actions. Large crowds gathered to document the scene, some even selling bricks, doors, and windows to scrapyards.
Attacks on Bangabandhu Sculptures and Murals
The wave of destruction extended beyond homes and offices to historical monuments across multiple districts:
- Jessore: Seven Bangabandhu sculptures were demolished, and nameplates of Sheikh Hasina were defaced at various government offices.
- Sunamganj: Murals at the municipal office, heritage museum, and freedom fighters’ building were destroyed. Even the Dongka Shah shrine was targeted.
- Rangpur: At Begum Rokeya University, Carmichael College, and Zilla School, murals of Bangabandhu were vandalized. The name of “Bangabandhu Hall” was replaced with “Bijoy 24 Hall.”
- Brahmanbaria: Protesters vowed to erase all symbols of “Mujibism,” destroying murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
- Rajbari: The home of a local Awami League leader was looted, leaving four people injured.
- Pirojpur: Multiple locations witnessed arson and vandalism.
Escalating Crisis and Uncertain Future
Liberty News’ national correspondent states that with law enforcement unable to restore order, the situation remains volatile. The large-scale destruction of properties, historical landmarks, and political symbols marks one of the most significant anti-government uprisings in recent years. As tensions rise, concerns mount over whether the unrest will spiral further, pushing Bangladesh toward deeper political instability.
LND/BAIZID
