Arson targets Hasina’s Sudha Sadan residence after vandalism at Bangabandhu’s house in Dhanmondi 32

Flames are engulfing the house in Dhanmondi-5 after midnight, following protests and arson at Bangabandhu’s Dhanmondi residence

Amid the widespread vandalism and arson at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house in Dhanmondi 32, triggered by the announcement of Sheikh Hasina’s online speech from India, her residence Sudha Sadan has also been set ablaze.

Around 12:30am on Thursday, flames were engulfing the house in Dhanmondi 5.

A security guard from Dhanmondi Society said a group of youths arrived between 10:30pm and 11pm and set fire to Sudha Sadan.

The fire caused panic among local residents, prompting many to rush to the streets in alarm.

Despite the blaze continuing for over an hour, the Fire Service had not arrived at the scene by the time it was reported.

Sounds of crackling doors, windows, and furniture being consumed by flames were heard in the area.

Earlier in the evening, following the announcement of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s call for a “Bulldozer March”, protestors had vandalised and set fire to the house of Bangabandhu in Dhanmondi 32.

Bulldozers and cranes were reportedly brought in to demolish the historic house.

In a related incident, a bulldozer was also used to demolish “Sheikh Bari” in Khulna, the residence of Hasina's uncle.

Meanwhile, in Sylhet, a mural of Bangabandhu was also demolished by a bulldozer at the deputy commissioner’s office.

These events unfolded on the same day that marked six months since former prime minister Hasina left the country after being ousted by a mass movement.