Sheikh Hasina Denounces Assault on Father’s Historic Residence

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh residing in New Delhi, has harshly criticized the vandalism and arson of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s, iconic residence, denouncing it as a “barbaric act aimed at erasing the legacy of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.” The historic home at Dhanmondi 32 is considered a crucial symbol of the nation’s struggle for independence, which was violently attacked during protests on February 5.

In a poignant interview, Hasina articulated that the assault extends beyond damaging a building; it's a blatant attack on the essence of Bangladesh’s identity. She contended that those in authority are actively trying to revise history by targeting sites integral to the country’s freedom movement. “The destruction of my father’s residence signifies a barbaric move to obliterate the legacy of our hard-won independence. Such acts deeply insult the memories of those who sacrificed themselves for our future,” she expressed.

Despite the heartbreaking nature of the incident, Hasina maintained unwavering faith in the resilience of the Bangladeshi populace. She emphasized that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy, respected as Bangabandhu, transcends physical premises. “This legacy is not enclosed in structures or material objects; it embodies values such as democracy, equality, secularism, and economic freedom. These ideals cannot be extinguished from the essence of Bangladesh,” she declared.

The vandalism at Dhanmondi 32 was executed by a sizable group of protesters, reportedly organized through social media calls for a “bulldozer procession.” This event escalated political tensions and occurred right after Hasina had addressed her supporters, criticizing the current administration that has replaced her leadership.

In a heartfelt communication to her supporters, Hasina expressed concern regarding the motives behind the repeated attacks on her childhood home. “What fear do they harbor against a house? They burned it last time, and now they are tearing it down. A structure may vanish, but history cannot be erased,” she said, her emotion evident.

The residence holds profound personal importance for Hasina, whose father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and most of her family members were murdered there during a military coup in 1975. Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana survived only because they were outside the country at that time. Upon her return to Bangladesh in 1981, Hasina took measures to preserve the residence, converting it into the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to ensure future generations connect with the history of the independence movement.

The symbolic significance of Dhanmondi 32 has made it a frequent target during political upheavals. It also faced arson on August 5 last year, coinciding with the unexpected end of Hasina’s nearly 16 years of governance as she covertly departed the country with her sister.

Hasina maintains that this latest attack is part of an overarching effort to dampen the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. However, she is confident that the Bangladeshi people will safeguard the principles on which their nation stands.

“Attempting to destroy a house cannot erase our history,” she stated firmly. “The legacy of Bangladesh lives within its people, and no act of violence can wipe that away.”