A group of alleged student activists, reportedly affiliated with Jamaat-Shibir, BNP leaders, and militants, have carried out vandalism at the historic residence of Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located at 32 Dhanmondi in the capital.
On Wednesday (February 5) at around 7:30 PM, hundreds of so-called student activists, identified as extremists, gathered near Dhanmondi 32 while chanting slogans. Later, they stormed Sheikh Mujib’s residence, breaking through law enforcement barricades despite initial resistance from the police and military. They then began acts of vandalism inside the premises.
Earlier, a social media post announced a planned protest under the name “Long March to Dhanmondi-32 – Bulldozer Rally.” The post stated that the revolutionary student movement of 2024 would hold this protest at 9 PM.
On Tuesday night (February 4), the verified Facebook page of the banned organization Chhatra League announced that Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, would address students at 9 PM on Wednesday (February 5). In response, the so-called student activists, allegedly militants, declared their “Long March to Dhanmondi-32” protest for the same time. However, acts of vandalism began even before their scheduled announcement.
Initially, a significant police presence, along with several police vehicles, was deployed at the site. However, as the student protesters escalated the situation, law enforcement withdrew from the scene.
Attempts to contact multiple officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division for comments remained unanswered. Allegations have surfaced that these incidents are taking place with state-backed support.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that a team led by Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, is closely monitoring media coverage to ensure that Sheikh Hasina’s speech is not broadcast. Any media outlet attempting to report on the matter faces threats of closure and legal consequences.