Interim government of Bangladesh has dismissed India’s concerns about the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence, describing it as “unexpected and unwarranted.” The administration insisted that the problem is internal and requested that India refrain from commenting on Bangladesh’s affairs.
Last Wednesday, thousands of protesters set fire to Rahman’s residence at 32 Dhanmondi in Dhaka, a famous location where the country’s founding father led the autonomy fight before proclaiming independence from Pakistan in 1971. The house, now a memorial, was destroyed during the revolt.
India Expresses Anguish Over Destruction
India was highly critical of the destruction. It termed the attack as a form of vandalism. On Thursday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing regret over the incident.
It is a pity that on February 5, the historical residence of Bangladesh’s Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was destroyed. He was a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression. Everyone who values the freedom struggle which nurtured Bangla identity and pride is well aware of how important this residence is for the national consciousness of Bangladesh,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Bangladesh Response Firm
Reacting to India’s statement, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry asserted that the issue at Dhanmondi 32 falls strictly under Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs on this matter, issued on February 6, 2025, has come to the attention of the interim government. Such remarks from India’s foreign ministry on Bangladesh’s internal affairs are unexpected and unwarranted,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, quoted by the state-run BSS news agency.
“Bangladesh does not officially comment on the internal affairs of any state, and it expects the same level of conduct from others,” Alam added.
Interim Government Blames Sheikh Hasina’s ‘Provocative’ Speech
The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, held deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina responsible for the violence. In a statement on Thursday, the Chief Adviser’s office described the demolition of Rahman’s residence as an “unintended and unexpected” consequence of public anger fueled by Hasina’s provocative remarks.
“The government hopes that India will not allow its territory to be used for destabilizing purposes in Bangladesh and will not allow Sheikh Hasina to speak. The interim government does not want such incidents to happen again in the future,” the statement read.
Alam further accused Hasina, who has been residing in India since August 5 last year, of making political statements that have sparked unrest across Bangladesh. “Ousted Prime Minister Hasina, while staying in India, has been making political statements from time to time, which are not being received well by the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
Escalating Violence in Bangladesh
Since Wednesday night, violent protests have broken out across Bangladesh in response to Hasina’s live web address. Mobs have attacked her admirers, vandalizing homes and businesses around the country. According to sources, there have been around 70 attacks in at least 35 districts since Wednesday.
Hasina, 77, escaped Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, following a massive student-led rebellion that ended her 16-year leadership with the Awami League. The protests had garnered broad support, prompting her to seek shelter in India.
India’s Role and Future Developments
It appears to be escalating further, especially in response to the growing diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh. Consequently, Bangladesh has called on New Delhi to remain impartial. Although New Delhi condemned the violence and destruction inflicted on the Mujibur Rahman historical residence, external interference was frowned upon by the interim government in Bangladesh.
Political analysts are anxiously awaiting what the Bengali situation will turn out to be. Bangladesh is also facing deep political instability, and the way the interim government manages this event will define the future of the country.