Anti-discrimination leaders, activists dismantle ‘Sheikh Bari’ in Khulna

The house had long been home to Sheikh Hasina’s cousins Sheikh Helal, and Sheikh Sohel

“Sheikh Bari”, the residence of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's late uncle, is being bulldozed in Khulna.

Witnesses said around 9pm on Wednesday, a group of leaders and activists from the Anti-discrimination Student Movement gathered in front of the property located in the city’s Moylapota area. Subsequently, they procured two bulldozers from the Khulna City Corporation, before proceeding with the destruction.

Sheikh Bari had long been home to the extended Hasina family, including her cousins, former MP Sheikh Helal, Sheikh Sohel and several other relatives.

As the demolition took place, the activists and leaders of the Movement voiced their anger, chanting slogans directed at Hasina, her political party, the Awami League, as well as its youth and student wings, the Jubo League and Chhatra League.

This is not the first time the house has been targeted.

On Aug 4, 2024 during the height of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement protests, the residence was set ablaze, though no one was present at the time.

In the days that followed, the house endured further violence, including vandalism, arson, and looting. By the time of the demolition, only the remnants of its brick and stone framework remained standing.