On 5 February 2025, the former residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, commonly known as Dhanmondi 32, was occupied and demolished by the protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The building, which housed a museum and was considered a historic site by the Awami League and its supporters, was torn down by protesters during a period of intense political turmoil following months after the resignation of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.^[2]

The demolition followed an online press conference attended by Sheikh Hasina while in self-imposed exile in India, during which she addressed topics that protesters viewed as against national interests. This event occurred amid years of growing discontent regarding the political influence of the Sheikh family in the country's political landscape, and the rise of a cult of personality of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.^[3]

Dhanmondi 32 was the personal residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding President of Bangladesh. It was also the site where he was assassinated along with most of his family members on the coup of 15 August 1975. In 1994, the residence was converted into Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, preserving artifacts and memories.^[4] In August 2024, following political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the museum was subjected to vandalism and arson attacks during widespread violence. The interior suffered significant damage, and many artifacts were lost.^[5]

Despite these events, the structure remained standing until the subsequent demolition in February 2025. The demolition coincided with a speech delivered by Sheikh Hasina from exile in India.^[6] In her address, she urged her supporters to oppose the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, labeling it as "unconstitutional". She said in the speech, "[They] may destroy a building, but they won't be able to erase the history".^[7] Hasina's speech was perceived by many protesters as a provocation, leading to the escalation that resulted in the demolition of the residence.^[8] According to The Financial Express of India, the mob responsible for the demolition included radical student groups and members of militant factions Hizb ut-Tahrir, Al-Qaeda, and Ansar-Al Islam.^[9]

On the evening of 5 February 2025, a large group of protesters gathered at Dhanmondi 32, responding to calls on social media for a "Bulldozer Procession" aimed at demolishing the site, which they referred to as a "shrine of fascism".^[10] The protest escalated quickly, with participants breaking through the entrance and vandalizing the interior, including the destruction of a mural of Sheikh Mujib.^[11]

As the situation intensified, a fire broke out on the second floor of the building. Protesters, undeterred by the flames, continued their actions, using tools to demolish parts of the house. Heavy machinery, including an excavator and a crane, was brought in to aid in the demolition.^[12]

Despite the presence of security forces, there was little to no intervention during the demolition.^[13] The event continued into the early hours of the next day, with significant portions of the building being reduced to rubble.^[14]

On 6 February 2025, as the demolition of Dhanmondi 32 continued, individuals were seen collecting materials such as steel, iron, tin, and wood, reportedly to sell as scrap.^[15] The removal of materials took place in an unregulated manner, with no intervention from law enforcement.^[16]

On the same day, two individuals—a man and a woman—were physically assaulted near the demolition site. Witnesses reported that the man was attacked after chanting "Joy Bangla" and expressing support for the Awami League.^[17][18] He was knocked to the ground by a group of protesters before being assisted onto a rickshaw by bystanders.^[19] Shortly afterward, a middle-aged woman near the site expressed distress, reportedly saying, "আপার ঘর ভেঙ্গে ফেলছে". (lit. 'Sister's^[a] house is being demolished') This prompted a confrontation with protesters, whom then assaulted her before bystanders took her to safety.^[20]

The Awami League condemned the demolition, stating that the attack was "an affront to national identity and a bid to erase collective history".^[21] Conversely, some opposition leaders and activists viewed the demolition as a symbolic rejection of what they perceived as authoritarianism and political nepotism.^[22] Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Students Against Discrimination, had warned against Hasina's speech and announced on social media:

Tonight Bangladesh will be freed from the pilgrimage site of fascism.^[23]

Hafizuddin Ahmed of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party reacted to the demolition, calling it "an obstruction to the path of democracy" and also questioned the government's role in it.^[24]

On 12 February 2025, the house of Nuruzzaman Kafi, a coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination, was burned down which he claimed was a retaliation by individuals aligned with the former ruling party for his involvement in the demolition.^[25]

• Government of Bangladesh: The press wing of the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of the interim government issued a statement regarding the demolition stating:

...The vandalism at Dhanmondi 32 on Wednesday was unexpected and undesirable. The incident was a manifestation of anger triggered by Sheikh Hasina's provocative remarks against the July uprising. Over the last six months there had been no attack there... The reaction to her violent behaviour caused the incident of vandalism... The government remains highly vigilant in protecting the lives and properties of the people. Law enforcement agencies are making every possible effort to bring the situation under control... The government will examine what legal actions can be taken against those involved in inciting unrest.^[26]

• 26 eminent citizens expressed concern over the incident of vandalism and violence stating:

The law enforcement agencies were aware of the demolition of Dhanmondi 32 and the government cannot evade responsibility with a post-incident statement... As citizens of a civilised country, we are deeply saddened, shocked, and ashamed. We demand a thorough investigation and justice; but to whom should we voice our demands? The institutions responsible for maintaining law and order have either acted as silent spectators or have been completely inactive... The demolition of Dhanmondi 32 has nothing to do with the current movement against fascism. It would be perceived by people as an incitement to violence...^[27]

• The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) described the acts of violence as "unusual" and criticised the government for not preventing such incidents. TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman stated:

There is no way to deny that dictator Sheikh Hasina, accused of committing mass killing, and her aides did the most irreplaceable damage to Bangabandhu, the Liberation War, and the spirit of the Liberation War during authoritarian rule driven by endless lust for partisanship and dynasticism... Although there was pre-announcement of a violent programme, law enforcement agencies, along with the army as a supportive force, or the government have shown alarming nonchalance in controlling the situation or taking preventive measures. Trying to avoid responsibility later by issuing a statement describing the incident as 'unexpected and unintended' is also noticeable.^[27]

• The North American social platform “Ekattorer Prohori” (Guards of Seventy one) condemned the demolition in a statement issued on behalf of the organization by 44 expatriates, including freedom fighters, artists, organizers, professors, lawyers, and activists. Describing February 5 as another "tragic black day" for the "democracy-loving people of Bangladesh" they stated:

The historic Dhanmondi 32 residence, deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s liberation history and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s long political career, has been attacked for the second time. The remaining parts of the fire-ravaged house were destroyed that day. In a similar manner, all of Bangabandhu’s monuments and plaques across Bangladesh have been destroyed, and even the homes of his political followers have been demolished. The demolition of Dhanmondi 32 was broadcast live online in Bangladesh, we along with countless Bangladeshis worldwide watched in sorrow from New York. It is a dire warning for the country’s existence like the dark days of the 1971 Liberation War. We urge all political parties, artists, writers, journalists, intellectuals, and conscious citizens who believe in the ideals of the Liberation War to unite in defence of Bangladesh’s independence and democratic values.^[28]

• Government of India: Ministry of External Affair spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:^[29]

It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on 5 February 2025.

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.^[30]

• 2025 Bulldozer march
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman statue destruction