Demolition continues: Sheikh Mujib’s Dhanmondi 32 home nearly levelled

The bulldozing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s three-story house at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka continued on Thursday morning, with the structure largely demolished. At 8am, a bulldozer was relentlessly tearing down the building. A blue bulldozer had taken the place of a yellow one used the previous night. No law enforcement or administrative personnel were present at the scene.

The front section, including the boundary walls, was significantly destroyed. The fire that had been set to the building at night was no longer burning. Trees in the yard, both large and small, were uprooted. A crowd of onlookers were gathered, but unlike the previous night, there were fewer protesters actively vandalizing the site – the relentless sound of heavy machinery dominated the area. People present at the spot said the demolition would continue until the entire building was levelled.

In the morning, looting took place at the demolished residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. People removed doors, windows, bricks, iron rods and pipes from the wreckage. A journalist reported witnessing a man cutting iron rods from the debris using a hacksaw, while others used hammers to break concrete and collect rods. Several individuals dismantled the engine from a burnt-out vehicle inside the premises. The looted materials were later transported away.

Bulldozer operator Sujon Mia said demolishing the house was taking time because the structure appeared to be very sturdy. “Three of the machine’s teeth have already broken. When asked who had brought him there, he replied: "My manager woke me up at 1:30am and told me to come here. I was not informed about the task beforehand. After arriving, I was told to start demolishing the house."

On Wednesday evening, angry students began gathering in front of the residence at Dhanmondi 32, entering the premises at around 8pm. As the night progressed, the crowd grew larger, and extensive vandalism took place inside the house before it was set on fire. The mural of Mujib at the entrance was also completely destroyed. Later that night, a bulldozer was brought in.

Earlier, there was an announcement that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina – who fled to India in August amid protests – would be joining a virtual session with members of the banned organization Chhatra League. In protest, the July Revolutionary Alliance announced a march towards Dhanmondi 32. 

Notably, on August 5 last year, during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's March to Dhaka program, Awami League leader Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country. Upon hearing this news, enraged citizens set fire to Mujib’s home in Dhanmondi 32.