Dhaka, Bangladesh – February 6, 2025
Bangladesh is witnessing an alarming escalation of violence and political unrest as historic sites linked to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came under coordinated attacks in Dhaka. Extremist factions, emboldened by the current turmoil under caretaker Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Yunus, targeted the iconic Dhanmondi 32 residence and Sudha Sadan, triggering widespread outrage.
A Nation Under Siege
The attack on the Dhanmondi 32 residence, now the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, began late last night. Witnesses reported bulldozers reducing sections of the historic structure to rubble while perpetrators shouted anti-government slogans. Known as the "cradle of independence," the residence is a revered symbol of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and secular ideals.
Simultaneously, Sudha Sadan, the home of Sheikh Hasina, was set ablaze. Although no casualties were reported, the destruction has dealt an emotional blow to a nation already grappling with instability.
These attacks come at a time when Bangladesh is deeply polarized. Following Sheikh Hasina’s ousting, the rise of fundamentalist forces has threatened the country's secular and democratic fabric. Observers suggest that the violence is an orchestrated effort to erase the legacy of Bangladesh’s founding father and divert attention from mounting public dissent.
Student Protests and Political Manipulation
The unrest coincides with a growing student-led movement demanding democratic reforms and accountability from the caretaker government. Protesters accuse Dr. Yunus of enabling extremist factions and ignoring the escalating violence.
However, analysts believe the attacks on Dhanmondi 32 and Sudha Sadan were intended to shift the narrative, casting the protests in a divisive light and undermining their legitimacy.
A prominent political analyst remarked, "This is not merely an attack on physical structures; it is an attack on Bangladesh’s identity, history, and the ideals of independence. It’s a calculated move to create distractions and deepen divisions."
Rising Fundamentalism Under Yunus
Since assuming leadership, Dr. Yunus has faced criticism for failing to curb the resurgence of radical groups. Bangladesh, once celebrated for its secularism, is now described by some as a "laboratory of fundamentalism," where extremist agendas are flourishing under the caretaker regime.
Civil society leaders warn that the unchecked rise of fundamentalist forces risks destabilizing the nation further. "We are witnessing an assault not only on history but also on the collective spirit of the Bangladeshi people," said a historian.
Calls for Unity and Justice
In response to the attacks and ongoing protests, citizens have taken to social media, expressing grief and demanding justice. Security across Dhaka has been heightened, with law enforcement pledging to investigate the incidents thoroughly.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have called for immediate action to restore stability and safeguard Bangladesh’s democratic heritage.
As the nation stands at a crossroads, its people face a daunting challenge: to confront the forces of extremism and uphold the legacy of freedom and secularism that define Bangladesh. The coming days will determine whether unity and resilience can prevail over division and destruction.
