Bangladesh protesters set fire to Sheikh Mujib’s historic home
The political unrest in Bangladesh reached a boiling point on Thursday as protesters, some armed with sticks and tools stormed the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – the father of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The building, which holds great historical significance as the site where Bangladesh’s independence was declared in 1971, was set ablaze and partially demolished by a crane and excavator.
The protest was part of a broader demonstration, dubbed the “Bulldozer Procession,” aimed at disrupting Hasina’s scheduled address to the nation via social media.
Hasina, in exile in India since her ousting in August 2024, had delivered a fiery speech, calling on her supporters to stand against the interim government and accusing them of seizing power unconstitutionally.
The former Prime Minister’s speech angered the protesters, many of whom are part of the “Students Against Discrimination” movement. They have voiced strong opposition to the interim government and have vowed to dismantle the 1972 Constitution, which they argue represents the legacy of Hasina’s rule.
As thousands gathered around the site of Rahman’s home and the nearby independence monument, emotions ran high. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as protesters, many clad in student uniforms, clashed with police officers stationed at the scene. Around 700 protesters were present at the site, according to local authorities, though the situation quickly escalated into violent destruction.
