In a wave of jubilation turned violence, protesters in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, targeted high-profile locations following a major political upheaval.
The residence of the Chief Justice was vandalized as rioters scaled walls and caused significant damage. The Awami League party office, linked to the now-resigned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was set ablaze, along with the Mujibur Rahman Museum.
Amid the turmoil, the Prime Minister’s residence was stormed, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee to India as the situation escalated. The protests, initially sparked by controversy over a quota system, have resulted in over 300 deaths and a military takeover of the government.
On Monday night, the unrest continued with an attack on Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s residence in Dhaka. Gates were breached, and smoke was later seen billowing from the property.
In addition to the attacks on the Chief Justice’s home, the violence spread to Sylhet, where the offices of the deputy commissioner, police superintendent, and several other government buildings were set on fire. Councilor Rezaul Haque’s house was also targeted.
Celebrations of PM Hasina’s resignation led to further chaos, including the vandalism of the city Awami League office in Chittagong, which was set on fire around 4 PM on Monday. No casualties have been reported in these incidents so far.
The unrest also saw an attack on the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Museum, dedicated to Bangladesh’s founding father. Rioters broke in, set fires, and damaged exhibits, while some protesters attempted to topple a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Following Hasina’s resignation and departure, looters entered Ganabhaban and Parliament, carrying away items from these public buildings.
