On February 5, 2025, protesters set the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka on fire. Getty Images
Thousands of protesters in Bangladesh took to the streets on Wednesday, targeting a historic home linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The house, which once belonged to Hasina’s father and Bangladesh’s independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was vandalized and partially demolished by angry crowds in the capital, Dhaka.
The attack was fueled by Hasina’s planned speech to her supporters from exile in India. She fled the country last year following a deadly student-led uprising against her government, which had ruled for 15 years. Many accused her of suppressing opposition and violating human rights.
Protesters Tear Down Historic Home
The house held deep historical significance, as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had declared Bangladesh’s independence from that very location in 1971. He was later assassinated there in 1975. Hasina had converted the house into a museum to honor her father’s legacy.
In recent months, Hasina’s supporters have tried to gather at the site, but they have repeatedly been met with violence from her critics. Before the attack on Wednesday, some protesters warned they would “bulldoze” the house if Hasina proceeded with her speech. When she began speaking, the crowd stormed the property, tearing down brick walls and using heavy machinery to demolish parts of the building.
“They may destroy a building, but they won’t be able to erase history,” Hasina said in response as the destruction unfolded. She accused the new government of seizing power through unconstitutional means and urged the people of Bangladesh to resist.
Political Turmoil and Rising Tensions
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile following Hasina’s removal from power. An interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has been struggling to maintain order as tensions between Hasina’s supporters and critics escalate. Many protesters are demanding Hasina’s execution, blaming her for hundreds of deaths during last year’s uprising.
Anti-India sentiments were also on display, as demonstrators criticized the neighboring country for sheltering Hasina. The new government has requested India to extradite her, but there has been no official response.
According to reports, violence erupted across Bangladesh overnight, with homes and businesses belonging to Hasina’s party members being targeted. The interim administration has accused her of widespread corruption and human rights abuses during her time in power.
Human Rights Concerns
While the current government has introduced reforms, international organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of Hasina’s supporters. A recent report from a human rights group highlighted cases of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and mass criminal complaints, tactics previously associated with Hasina’s rule.
Despite these concerns, many in Bangladesh see Hasina’s removal as a victory for democracy. However, the country remains deeply divided, and the future of its political landscape remains uncertain.
