The widely circulated claim that a “Mirror Room” exists in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust building at Dhanmondi 32 has been proven false. The structure in question is not a secret chamber but rather the basement of an under-construction building. Due to leakage in the second basement, water has accumulated in the area.
The supposed “detention space” mentioned in various reports is actually U-shaped rods designed to support the shuttering of column-share walls in the construction site. Additionally, the ropes alleged to have been used for restraining people are merely materials used for construction purposes.
On Saturday, a high-level investigative team, led by Housing and Public Works Ministry Secretary Hamidur Rahman, along with officials from the National Housing Authority, RAJUK, and the Fire Service, inspected the site. However, they found no evidence of a “Mirror Room.” Sources indicate that the findings of this investigation will not be publicly disclosed, and the government is unlikely to make any official statement on the matter.
Background of the Claims
According to reports, Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, the Member Secretary of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, had obtained approval from RAJUK for the construction of a 2-basement + 6-story library building at Plot No. 679 (old) / 06 (new), Road No. 32 (old) / 11 (new), Dhanmondi A/A, Dhaka. The construction was ongoing until August 5, 2024.
On that day, coordinated attacks, looting, and arson took place at multiple buildings of the Bangabandhu Trust. During the looting, five individuals were electrocuted to death on the spot, while several others abandoned their shoes and sandals while fleeing. On February 5, a second wave of attacks took place under the banner of the “Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,” with hundreds of people involved in vandalizing the premises.
Amid these incidents, claims surfaced that a five-story underground structure was discovered beneath the Bangabandhu building. Some activists alleged that secret chambers filled with water were found and accused the ruling Awami League of creating a new “Mirror Room” under the directive of intelligence agencies such as DGFI and DB. They claimed that Sheikh Hasina’s forces were using the underground facility for covert torture operations.
Investigation Findings
Following these allegations, a significant debate erupted on social media, prompting demands for an official inquiry. In response, multiple government agencies, including the Housing and Public Works Ministry and the Fire Service, conducted an on-site investigation. Their findings confirmed that:
The so-called “Mirror Room” does not exist.
The waterlogged area is due to leakage in the second basement.
The U-shaped rods are structural supports, not detention devices.
The ropes found are standard construction materials, not tools for restraint.
Despite the findings, authorities have chosen not to release an official statement, and the topic continues to spark discussions online.