Mob set fire to Bangladesh founding leader Mujibur Rahman's house
What's the story
A mob in Dhaka, Bangladesh, vandalized and set ablaze the historic home of the country's founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Wednesday. The incident occurred as his daughter and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation live online from India, calling on her supporters to stand against the interim government. The house in Dhanmondi area of Dhaka had been converted into a memorial museum after being the place where Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Speech backlash
Hasina's speech from exile sparks violent protest
Hasina had taken refuge there after a student-led uprising ended her 16-year rule on August 5, 2024. In her speech, she said, "They are yet to have the strength to destroy the national flag, the constitution and the independence that we earned at the cost of lives of millions of martyrs with a bulldozer. "They can demolish a building, but not the history...but they must also remember that the history takes its revenge."
Twitter Post
Videos of the attack
#BREAKING: Bangladesh: Violent mob of students has vandalised the historic home of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi-32 of Dhaka, minutes before an online address of Sheikh Hasina. Protesters demanded ban on Awami League. Massive violence continues at this moment. pic.twitter.com/ABMTTJE8Ud
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 5, 2025
Vandalism details
Protesters vandalize historic house, damage portraits
Soon after the speech, protesters gathered at Dhanmondi-32 with bulldozers after social media posts urged for a "Bulldozer Procession." They broke through the main gate and vandalized the property with hammers, crowbars, and wooden planks. The protesters also damaged portraits of Rahman and set parts of the house on fire. The protesters said the house was a symbol of "authoritarianism and fascism," and vowed to wipe out traces of 'Mujibism' from Bangladesh.
Emotional response
Hasina expresses dismay over destruction of father's house
Reacting to the incidents, teary-eyed Hasina said, "We sisters live for those memories of Dhanmondi, now they are destroying that house. Last time they did set this house on fire now they are breaking that house," the emotional former PM said. The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and a few former officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide." The tribunal has also revoked passports of 97 people linked to her regime.