The historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman regarded as the Father of Bangladesh was set on fire and was partially demolished as thousands of protestors came out on the street amid escalating political unrest. The attack took place as Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister and daughter of Rahman delivered a fiery speech online, urging her supporters to stand against the interim government.
The historic residence of Rahman was set on fire and was partially demolished as thousands of protestors came out on the street amid escalating political unrest. The attack took place as Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister and daughter of Rahman delivered a fiery speech online, urging her supporters to stand against the interim government.
Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?
Rahman played a pivotal role in the nation’s struggle for independence. He was born on March 17, 1920 in Tungipara, he entered into politics during British rule and was an early member of the All-India Muslim League. He co-founded the Awami League in 1949, and fought for the political and economic rights of East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh. His efforts to attain greater autonomy for the people of Bengal was completed in the 1971 Liberation War, which led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
Mass protest turns violent
An eyewitness reported to Reuters that several thousand demonstrators armed with hammers, sticks, and other tools surrounded the house. Some brought a crane and a bulldozer to demolish sections of the building, whereas others put fire on it. The rally was called the ‘’bulldozer procession’’ and was held to clash with Hasina’s speech scheduled for 9: pm on Wednesday, with an aim to disrupt her address.
Many of the protestors aligned with the ‘’Students against discrimination’’ group, which is against Hasina influence and sees her speech as a direct challenge to the newly formed government. Political tensions have risen tremendously since Hasina’s removal from power in August 2024.
Significance of Bangladesh’s founder house Dhanmondi-32
The residence at Dhanmondi-32 is a symbol of Bangladesh independence, as it was the same place from where Rahman had announced the country’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971. However, a few years later it became the site of a national tragedy when Mujib and most of his family were assassinated in 1975. Hasina, one of the few survivors later converted the house into a museum tributing her father’s legacy.
Commenting on the attack, Hasina mentioned, ‘’They can demolish a building, but not the history. History takes its revenge.’’ She appealed to the people to oppose the interim government, accusing them of taking power through illegal means.
Meanwhile, the student-led government heading the protests has pledged to dismantle the 1972 Constitution, arguing that it represents Mujib’s political legacy.
(With inputs from Reuters)