Desk Report: Scores of protesters forcibly entered and vandalized the residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on Wednesday night, following a declaration by Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, to “liberate the country from fascism.”
The unrest began after Hasnat posted a statement on his verified Facebook account at 6:00 PM, declaring, “Tonight, Bangladesh will be freed from the land of fascism.” The situation escalated around 8:00 PM when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began a virtual address to students, prompting protesters to march toward the historic residence.
Eyewitnesses reported that crowds from various areas gathered outside the residence, chanting slogans before breaking through the gates and storming the premises. Protesters spread across the property, causing significant damage.
The previous night, the banned organization Chhatra League’s verified Facebook page had announced that Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, would address students virtually. In response, social media users called for a “bulldozer march” toward Dhanmondi 32 if the speech proceeded. However, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement did not officially endorse the action.
Earlier on Wednesday, at a press conference at the movement’s office in Bangla Motor, Hasnat Abdullah accused Sheikh Hasina of being the “butcher of Bangladesh,” claiming she and her student wing, Chhatra League, were no longer relevant. He warned media outlets against broadcasting her speech, stating it would be seen as supporting her.
During the press conference, Hasnat criticized the media for not labeling Sheikh Hasina as a “fascist killer,” accusing her of killing 2,000 people to maintain power. He urged journalists to stop referring to her as the “former Prime Minister” and instead call her the “butcher of this motherland.”
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh, with protesters targeting symbols of the Awami League’s legacy. Authorities have yet to comment on the destruction or announce any measures to address the situation.