Sheikh Mujib’s Historic Home Demolished Amid Unrest

Image: AP

The residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, has been demolished by a bulldozer following a wave of violent protests, arson, and vandalism. The incident took place just a day after an angry mob attacked the historic house in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, which had been converted into a memorial museum. Reports suggest that a Palestinian flag was also seen at the site during the unrest.

Unrest and Destruction

According to eyewitnesses, thousands of protesters had gathered outside the house in Dhanmondi on Wednesday evening, responding to calls on social media for a “bulldozer rally.” The crowd, demanding a ban on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League party, stormed the premises, ransacked the memorial, and set parts of it on fire. The violence escalated as demonstrators expressed their anger against the current government led by Sheikh Hasina, Mujibur Rahman’s daughter.

By Thursday morning, authorities had deployed a bulldozer to demolish what remained of the structure. Meanwhile, reports from ANI indicate that a young man was seen waving a Palestinian flag at the site, further fueling speculation about international influences or symbolic protests linked to global conflicts.

Sheikh Hasina’s Response

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was preparing to deliver a speech when the violence erupted. The event was organized by the now-disbanded student wing of the Awami League, the Chhatra League. During her address, Hasina strongly condemned the destruction and hinted at political forces working against her administration.

Without directly naming anyone, she appeared to target Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s government, stating, “They may have the power to bulldoze buildings, but they cannot bulldoze our national flag, our constitution, or the freedom we gained through the sacrifice of millions. They can destroy structures, but history cannot be erased. History always finds a way to take its revenge.”

Political Tensions and Fallout

The destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing political turmoil. The opposition’s increasing aggression, coupled with growing discontent against Hasina’s government, has created a volatile environment. The call for a ban on the Awami League further signals deep divisions within the country’s political landscape.

Authorities have yet to officially respond to the demands of the protesters, and it remains unclear how the government will handle the rising unrest. However, this event has intensified political tensions in Bangladesh, with many anticipating further confrontations in the days ahead.