Violent Protests Erupt in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina’s Party Faces Backlash

Since the shift in government following the student revolution in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s party has come under increasing scrutiny. The former Prime Minister, who is currently a fugitive, continues to face protests from her political opponents.

On the evening of Wednesday, February 5, angry protesters launched a violent attack on the residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located in Dhanmondi 32. The demonstrators broke through the gate and forcefully entered the premises, beginning a spree of destruction.

This protest was sparked in response to an online speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protesters had announced plans to carry out a bulldozer march at Dhanmondi 32 and threatened to demolish the house by 9 PM. However, the protesters altered their plan and arrived ahead of schedule, around 8 PM.

Arriving in the form of a rally, the demonstrators breached the central gate and began vandalizing the property. The protesters voiced strong opposition to the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declaring that his family symbolized autocracy and fascism. They expressed their intent to erase all symbols of Mujibism and fascism from the country. Furthermore, they chanted slogans against Sheikh Hasina Wajed, demanding her return to Bangladesh and her execution.

Some protesters climbed to the second floor of the residence, damaging pictures and other items related to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prior to the attack, Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the student movement, posted on social media claiming that Bangladesh would be freed from fascism that night.

Prominent figures from the movement, including Sharif Osman Hadi and members of the National Citizens Committee, also shared posts on social media warning of the attack and plans to demolish the residence.

This is not the first time that Dhanmondi 32 has been targeted. On August 5, after the fall of the Awami League government, angry demonstrators attacked the house and set parts of it on fire.