Protesters burned down the family home of Bangladesh’s ex-PM
Protesters in Bangladesh have vandalized and set fire to the family home of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as the properties of other members of her party. The unrest was triggered by Hasina’s announcement that she would address the nation from India, where she has been in exile since being ousted by student-led protests last year.
Hasina, 77, who governed Bangladesh for 20 years, was seen as an autocrat known for suppressing dissent. On Wednesday, an excavator destroyed the house of Hasina’s late father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding president, which had been turned into a museum. Although Rahman is a national hero, his daughter’s controversial legacy has tarnished his image among critics.
In a Facebook livestream, Hasina condemned the attack, declaring, “They can demolish a building, but they can’t erase history.”
Once a pro-democracy icon, Hasina’s reputation has deteriorated due to accusations of election rigging, imprisoning critics, and overseeing a corrupt administration. She faces arrest warrants for her violent crackdown on student protests last year, which resulted in numerous deaths. Despite her exile in India, anger towards her and her Awami League party remains high.
On Wednesday, protesters also targeted the homes and businesses of senior Awami League leaders. Social media calls have demanded the removal of “fascist” sites linked to Hasina’s regime. Police reported around 700 protesters gathering at one residence, with dozens of officers deployed.
Following Hasina’s ouster, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has led a caretaker government, but has struggled to calm the unrest. Demonstrations continue, with demands for Hasina’s prosecution for the deadly crackdown on student protesters. Yunus, who has accused Hasina of economic fraud, aims to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026.
About The Author
