Photo: Collected
A large crowd, including students, on Thursday continued to demolish the remaining parts of the historic house at Dhanmondi-32 in Dhaka following a night of vandalism and arson attack on it. The demolition began at around 11:30pm on Wednesday, nearly two and a half hours after the house was set on fire around 9:00pm. Witnesses said an angry mob gathered at the site, chanting slogans against the Awami League and its leader deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
A UNB correspondent visiting the scene on Thursday morning saw people dismantling parts of the structure and collecting bricks, doors, and windows. Some in the crowd vowed to remain at the site until the house was completely destroyed.
Tensions escalated when two individuals, including a middle aged woman, were reportedly beaten after they chanted "Joy Bangla," the protesters claimed. Despite calls from Awami League leaders and activists on social media to protect the building, no organised resistance was visible on the ground. Locals also refrained from commenting on the matter.
The house, which was turned into a musuem, came under arson attack on August 5 last year following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. As of Thursday noon, the right section of the building was nearing full demolition, while the rest was being dismantled by protesters using tools. Burnt debris from the fire remained scattered throughout the premises.
The situation remained volatile, with no law enforcement agencies present to prevent possible accidents or further destruction. The gathering continued to swell as more people joined in, watching or participating in the demolition efforts. Many in the crowd reiterated their determination to stay at the site until the house was completely torn down.
Messenger/JRTarek
