Dhaka, February 6 In a shocking turn of events, violent protests erupted in Dhaka on Tuesday night as mobs vandalized and set fire to the historic Dhanmondi-32 residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The protesters also torched the residence of Sheikh Hasina’s late husband, eminent nuclear scientist M.A. Wazed Miah.
The interim government remained a spectator, failing to prevent the attack. Notably, Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since August last year.
Protests Erupt During Hasina’s Online Address
According to The Daily Star, the unrest coincided with Sheikh Hasina’s scheduled online speech. Thousands of demonstrators stormed Dhanmondi-32, claiming that the residence symbolized “fascism” and should be demolished. The protest, labeled “Bulldozer Procession”, saw mobs using shovels and hammers to attack the structure.
Eyewitnesses reported that a mural of Sheikh Mujib was also damaged. At around 9:30 PM, a section of the house was set ablaze. Shortly before midnight, a crane and an excavator were brought in, further destroying parts of the structure. Authorities only recorded an official incident report nearly two and a half hours later.
Anti-Hasina Sentiment Fuels the Unrest
Social media buzzed with speculation that Sheikh Hasina was orchestrating anti-Bangladesh activities from India, prompting this aggressive response. Protesters were heard chanting slogans that included references to Delhi.
The demonstrators demanded that the Awami League be barred from participating in future elections, accusing the party of undermining Bangladesh’s democracy.
Government and Security Forces Remain Silent
Despite the escalating violence, police forces stood idle. Shockingly, no fire brigade personnel were dispatched until late at night. At 9:30 PM, some army personnel arrived at the scene but left soon after.
Meanwhile, senior officials including Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner S.M. Sajjat Ali, and Additional Commissioner S.N. Nazrul Islam declined to comment on the incident.
Online Mobilization Behind the Protest
The “Bulldozer Procession” was allegedly organized through social media by groups such as:
Basherkella Facebook Group
People’s Activists Coalition (PAC) Spokesperson Ratul Mohammed
July Revolutionary Alliance
Students Against Discrimination, led by Hasanat Abdullah
Paris-based vlogger Pinaki Bhattacharya
Sheikh Hasina’s Husband’s Residence Also Torched
At 11:00 PM, protesters stormed and set fire to “Sudha Sadan”, the residence of M.A. Wazed Miah, Sheikh Hasina’s late husband, located in Dhanmondi. Fire department official Rakibul Hasan confirmed the incident, stating that multiple reports of arson at Dhanmondi-32 were also received.
Political Chaos in Bangladesh
This attack on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence and Hasina’s family home underscores rising tensions in Bangladesh’s political landscape. With anti-government sentiment intensifying, the country faces one of its most volatile moments in recent history. The interim government’s inaction raises concerns about stability and security in the capital and beyond. 
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina’s Husband’s Residence Set on Fire in Dhaka
