Protesters set fire to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhaka

Hundreds of protesters, including student groups, stormed the residence of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka on Wednesday night. The demonstrators labeled the site an epitome of 'fascism' and set the building on fire.

The violent protests erupted following an online speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, who remains in self-imposed exile.

Leader of the student group Inquilab Mancha, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi along with other groups, called for a march towards Dhanmondi and urged demonstrators to destroy the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum.

The building holds significant historical importance for Bangladesh, as it was from this residence that Sheikh Mujib led his movement for the country's separation from Pakistan.

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The "March to Dhanmondi-32" was scheduled for 8 pm, but protesters had already begun gathering earlier to storm the site.

Videos circulating on social media show protesters standing atop the building, chanting slogans, and staging a "bulldozer procession."

This is not the first attack on the historic site. It was previously targeted after the Awami League government was expelled from power in Bangladesh on August 5.

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Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina continues her political activities while remaining in India. In a recent online speech, she called on her supporters to resist Muhammad Yunus’ interim government in Bangladesh.

"They are yet to have the strength to destroy the national flag, the constitution, and the independence that we earned at the cost of millions of martyrs with a bulldozer," she said after the vanadlisation of her father's residence, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“They can demolish a building, but not the history … but they must also remember that the history takes its revenge,” she adde.