New Delhi: The Bangladesh interim government has condemned the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence, while accusing India of allowing its territory to be used for activities that could destabilise its neighbour.
In a statement released Thursday, the Muhammad Yunus-led government urged Indian authorities to prevent such actions in the future.
The interim government described the demolition of Dhanmondi 32, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—Sheikh Hasina’s father— as “unintended and unwanted”, but emphasised that it was a direct response to the ousted prime minister’s speech.
The statement further highlighted that Hasina’s remarks, which the interim government criticised for insulting the July Uprising and promoting political instability, contributed to the violent protests that ensued.
The interim government has also called on India to prevent Hasina from continuing her political activities while in exile, stressing that her speech from abroad only fuels further unrest.
“We hope that India will not allow its territory to be used for activities that create instability in Bangladesh. The government does not want such incidents to happen again,” the statement read.
The government added that there had been no attack or vandalism at the house in the last six months, and that it only happened when “fugitive” Hasina made her remarks.
“Sheikh Hasina has insulted and humiliated those who sacrificed themselves in the July Uprising. By making irrelevant, vulgar and hateful remarks regarding the death of the martyr, the fugitive Sheikh Hasina has disrespected and disrespected the July Uprising,” the statement read.
“Secondly, Hasina, despite fleeing the face of the mass uprising in the same tone she used to speak in when she was in power, carrying out corruption, terrorism and inhumane processes, continues to speak and threaten the July mass uprising and every person who participated in it in the same tone. Hasina has threatened to create instability in the country.”
‘National election necessary’
Meanwhile, politicians from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) condemned the demolition, calling it an “attempt to destroy democracy”.
Speaking at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club, BNP standing committee member Hafizuddin Ahmed warned that such actions might cause chaos and hinder democratic progress.
Hafizuddin added that BNP would investigate whether a neighbouring country was involved, and emphasised the need for clarity on who was responsible. “By the end of the day, we expect to have all the facts and will share BNP’s stance.”
He also called for a national election within the year. “I urge the interim government to take immediate steps against all forms of chaos and conspiracies against democracy. Holding a national election as soon as possible is necessary to address these issues.”
Additionally, Hafizuddin criticised several advisers in the interim government, noting, “Some of these advisers were part of Hasina’s team for 15 years and have never even posted a status on Facebook.”
Protests escalated in Dhaka Wednesday evening after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a virtual speech from India, addressing the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh. A large group of protesters stormed the Dhanmondi residence of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, vandalising the building and setting it on fire. The protests, which coincided with Hasina’s speech, led to widespread violence, with protesters using bulldozers to destroy a mural of Sheikh Mujib and targeting other properties associated with the Awami League.
The protest, dubbed the “Bulldozer Procession”, had been planned for Thursday evening, but began early Wednesday, when protesters gathered at Dhanmondi 32.
Around 8.00 pm, protesters began tearing down parts of the building with shovels and hammers. By 9.30 pm, the building was engulfed in flames. A crane and excavator were brought to the site later, and by early Thursday morning, the structure had been reduced to rubble. Photos from the scene showed the building in ruins with the words “thakbe na (will not remain)” written on a wall.
In addition to this attack, protesters also set fire to Sudha Sadan, the Dhanmondi residence of Hasina’s late husband, nuclear scientist M.A. Wazed Miah. Several other properties connected to Awami League leaders were targeted as well.
Protesters, including members of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, criticised Hasina for allegedly insulting the martyrs of the Uprising and continuing to stir instability in the country.
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh was summoned by the Dhaka government after Hasina’s speech was broadcast on online platforms. The interim government accused Hasina of making baseless allegations against Chief Adviser Yunus claiming that he had orchestrated a “meticulous” plot to assassinate her.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called Hasina’s speech “a hostile act” instigating instability in the country.
“Through the protest note, handed over to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, the ministry conveyed the deep concern, disappointment and serious reservation of the Government of Bangladesh, as such statements are hurting the sentiments of the people in Bangladesh,” the statement read.
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India must carry out special forces operations and eliminate Yunus and his bunch of clowns masquerading as administrators in Bangladesh. That would be the best possible answer to Yunus and his government’s stupid activities.