Six months after the fall of the Awami League government in a mass uprising, violent incidents erupted at House No. 32 in Dhanmondi, the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Late Wednesday night, the building was partially demolished using bulldozers, drawing widespread reactions both nationally and internationally.
At the time of the demolition, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 5, condemned the action in a pre-scheduled virtual address. Despite her warnings, bulldozers continued their operations on Thursday morning, reducing large sections of the structure to rubble.
According to Dhanmondi police station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ali Ahmed Masud, the situation has now returned to normal, stating, “Most of the crowds have dispersed. There is no ongoing police patrol or security presence at the site.”
Social Media Outrage and Calls for Action
Ahead of Sheikh Hasina’s planned speech to the student community on Tuesday, there was intense backlash on social media, with many warning that if she spoke, House No. 32 would be stormed and demolished. However, the attacks began even before her address, with arson, looting, and destruction sweeping through the historical landmark.
The violence quickly spread beyond Dhanmondi, as residences of Awami League leaders across the country were targeted.
- Sudhasadan, another residence of Sheikh Hasina, was also attacked, with fire engulfing two floors of the building.
- In Khulna, a property known as “Sheikh Bari”, which belonged to Sheikh Hasina’s uncle, was bulldozed to the ground.
- In Kushtia, the home of Awami League’s Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif was also demolished.
- In Bhola, the residence of former minister and AL advisory council member Tofail Ahmed was attacked and set on fire.
- In Chattogram and Sylhet, murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were destroyed.
- At Rangpur University and Carmichael College, statues of Sheikh Mujib were also vandalized.
- In Trishal, the “Mujib Mural” at the Kazi Nazrul Islam University’s Bangabandhu Hall was demolished using a bulldozer.
- At multiple public universities, including Rajshahi University and Begum Rokeya University (Rangpur), nameplates of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Halls were removed and smashed.
Government and Activist Responses
The widespread destruction of Dhanmondi 32 No. House and related structures sparked strong reactions from interim government officials and activist leaders.
Government Reactions
At 2:30 AM, Interim Government Advisor Mahfuz Alam posted on Facebook, writing:
“Do we have the strength to rebuild?”
In his post, he emphasized the importance of reconstruction, stating:
“After destruction, there comes an opportunity to rebuild. But a constant cycle of demolition is not a sign of a better future. The process of reconstruction will begin swiftly, and everyone should actively participate in rebuilding the nation.”
Activist Reactions
At 6:30 PM on Wednesday, Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, wrote:
“Tonight, Bangladesh will be freed from the shrine of fascism.”
Later at 9:45 PM, he followed up with another post:
“A united Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, at 11:00 PM, National Citizen Committee leader Sarjees Alam posted:
“Abu Jahl’s house is now a public toilet!”
Political Implications and Uncertain Future
The destruction of House No. 32 is symbolic and highly polarizing in Bangladesh’s political history. While supporters of the revolutionary movement claim that this represents the fall of fascism, others believe that it is an act of erasing history.
With Sheikh Hasina in exile, the future of the Awami League’s political legacy remains uncertain, especially as key party figures face targeted attacks. The interim government has yet to announce any reconstruction plans, while activists continue to call for further removals of past regimes’ symbols.
The coming days will determine whether Bangladesh moves towards reconciliation and rebuilding, or if the country will witness further political turmoil.
