Govt largely responsible for demolition of Mujib residence at Dhanmondi: 26 eminent citizens
They asserted that law enforcement agencies were fully aware of the planned attacks but failed to intervene, making the interim government accountable for the events of 5 and 6 February
A total of 26 prominent citizens of the country have condemned the recent attacks and vandalism at the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the capital's Dhanmondi-32.
In a joint statement today (7 February), they expressed their outrage over the destruction of Sheikh Hasina's family home, accusing the government of negligence and complicity.
They asserted that law enforcement agencies were fully aware of the planned attacks but failed to intervene, making the interim government accountable for the events of 5 and 6 February.
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"We are deeply shocked and ashamed as citizens to witness the brutal demolition of a historically significant residence. The destruction was carried out with cranes and bulldozers, while other properties were set on fire—all under the watch of law enforcement. The government cannot evade responsibility by issuing statements after the fact," the statement reads.
The signatories questioned the inaction of law enforcement, suggesting that their failure to intervene amounted to complicity.
"Are law enforcement agencies funded by public money just to stand and watch? If crimes are openly committed in their presence and they do nothing, does that not make them responsible?" they asked.
The statement also warned against the dangers of mob-driven violence, arguing that such actions could be exploited by those seeking to undermine Bangladesh's democratic progress.
"Fascist elements and their international backers will only benefit from mass-inciting violence. Just as the previous government used sabotage to create unrest, these recent acts could reinforce claims that Bangladesh lacks rule of law."
The eminent citizens stressed that historical sites must be protected, regardless of political opinions.
"Across the world, historical landmarks are preserved as a part of national heritage, even if they belong to controversial figures. The destruction of Dhanmondi 32 will not contribute to democracy but instead serve as a warning of lawlessness," they said.
They called for a full judicial inquiry into the incidents, holding not only the perpetrators accountable but also law enforcement officials who failed to act.
"The destruction of Dhanmondi 32 does not align with the anti-autocracy movement. Rather, it has been perceived as an act of mass terror that damages the credibility of such movements," they stated.
The statement was signed by Sultana Kamal, Rasheda K Chowdhury, Anu Muhammad, Khushi Kabir, Parveen Hasan, Iftikharuzzaman, Shamsul Huda, Sara Hossain, Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, Subrata Chowdhury, Noor Khan, Shahnaz Huda, Nova Ahmed, Zobaida Nasreen, Mohammad Selim Hossain, Shah-i-Mobin Jinnah, Jakir Hossain, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Monindra Kumar Nath, Saeed Ahmed, Minhajul Haque Chowdhury, Ashraf Ali, Shahadat Alam, Rezaul Haque, Hana Shams Ahmed, and Muktashree Chakma.
