India condemns attack on Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence: ‘Symbol of heroic resistance’

The MEA in a statement highlighted the role of this residence in the formation of Bangladesh’s national identity

Updated on: Feb 6, 2025, 22:56:33 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India on Thursday condemned the destruction of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence. The incident occurred on February 5 when thousands of protestors torched the house.

Thousands of protesters set fire to the residence of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka. (AP)

Calling it an important symbol of Bangladesh's fight for freedom, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said: “It is sad that this historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was burnt down on 5 February, 2025.”

The MEA further highlighted the role of this residence in the formation of Bangladesh’s national identity.

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"All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh. This act of vandalism should be strongly condemned," the statement read.

What happened to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence?

On Wednesday night, thousands of protesters rallied in front of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 32 Dhanmondi house in Dhaka, a memorial, following a social media call for a "bulldozer procession" ahead of his daughter's scheduled virtual address from exile in India.

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The mob later set the house on fire while Hasina was delivering her speech. The protestors also vandalised the houses of several Awami League leaders.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the founder of Bangladesh and the father of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh's interim govt blames Sheikh Hasina

Meanwhile, the interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus blamed deposed premier Sheikh Hasina's "provocative" speech for sparking "unintended and unexpected" violence that led to the destruction of Rehman's residence.

In a statement on Thursday, interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s office said that the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence was "unintended and unexpected", but added that the vandalism was the "outburst of public anger created due to Hasina's provocative statements" against the July uprising from India.

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In the last six months, there has been no attack or destruction on Dhanmondi-32 house, it said.

"The inflammatory statements made by fugitive Sheikh Hasina from India against the July uprising have created deep anger among the people, which has manifested in this incident," it added.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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