Protesters in Bangladesh have stormed and partially demolished Dhanmondi-32, the historic residence of the country’s founding leader and former Prime Minister, ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The site, which holds significant political and historical importance, was set on fire amid escalating anti-government demonstrations.

According to The Daily Star, a group of protesters had called for the demolition of what they termed a “pilgrimage site of fascism” and had planned a “bulldozer procession” at 9 PM on February 5.

The protest coincided with a virtual event organized by the now-banned Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, where ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was expected to address supporters.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vandalized house in Dhaka. Image: X/@Kings_Gambit__

However, before the scheduled event, a large crowd gathered at Dhanmondi-32 around 8 PM, using hammers and shovels to tear down sections of the building. By 10:45 PM, an excavator was brought in to accelerate the demolition, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Protesters later set fire to Sudha Sadan, the residence of Hasina’s late husband, nuclear scientist MA Wazed Miah, around 11 PM.

Chanting slogans demanding Hasina’s execution, demonstrators continued their destruction into the morning of February 6.

Prothom Alo reported that by then, much of the front portion of the three-storey house had already been demolished. Hasina, who has been in India since her removal from office in August last year following widespread protests, remains a key target of the ongoing agitation.