Bangladesh: Mob Set Fire to Former President Abdul Hamid’s Residence

Bangladesh : In a shocking incident that has escalated tensions in Bangladesh, an uncontrolled mob attacked and set fire to the residence of former President Abdul Hamid in the Kishoreganj district last night. Reports indicate that a large crowd stormed the property, broke into the premises, looted valuables, and then set the house ablaze. This attack was preceded by a violent demolition of the Awami League office in the district using a bulldozer, which marks a significant increase in the unrest spreading across the nation.

The violence didn’t stop at Abdul Hamid’s residence. Media sources report widespread attacks across nearly two dozen districts in Bangladesh. Awami League (AL) leaders’ homes were not spared, with several being vandalized and set on fire. In addition, murals and busts of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, were defaced and destroyed, adding an extra layer of symbolism to the unrest. The attacks were particularly intense following the burning and demolition of Dhanmondi-32, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sparking even more fury from protesters.

Further escalating the chaos, Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of AL and former minister of road, transport, and bridges, also became a target. His residence in Noakhali District was ransacked and set ablaze by the angry mobs. The violence spread to various districts, including Rajshahi, Cummila, Barisal, Pabna, Narayanganj, Tangail, Narsingdi, Bagerhat, Bogura, Chuadanga, Pirojpur, and Jamalpur, where both Awami League offices and leaders’ properties were vandalized and set on fire.

In light of the escalating violence, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has voiced grave concerns over the state of law and order in the country. The party has urged Dr. Yunus to step in and lead an interim government to restore control and prevent further destruction. In a statement, the BNP expressed its deep concern over the inability of the current government to maintain order, warning that without strict enforcement of law, the stability of the state and the government could be in jeopardy.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, a BNP leader, emphasized the public perception that the current government has been ineffective in addressing the violence and bringing those responsible for the turmoil to justice. The BNP insists that this failure could result in further instability, calling for decisive action to end the rampant vandalism and arson plaguing the country.