Security bolstered around Dhanmondi-32 ahead of 'Bulldozer Procession'
“We’re on alert as some announcements were made on social media that some people may come to the residence and try to vandalise it again,” said Jishanul Haque, additional deputy commissioner of DMP’s Dhanmondi Zone
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has bolstered security around the Dhanmondi-32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman amid announcements of a "Bulldozer Procession" on social media.
The procession is set to coincide with a live virtual speech to be given by Sheikh Hasina, which is being organised by the banned student outfit Bangladesh Chhatra League.
Jishanul Haque, additional deputy commissioner of DMP's Dhanmondi Zone, confirmed the heightened security matter to The Business Standard.
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"We're on alert as some announcements were made on social media that some people may come to the residence and try to vandalise it again," he also said.
Since early today, photos have been circulating of a poster announcing the bulldozer procession in response to Hasina's announcement of addressing the Chhatra League.
One such poster, shared in a public group named Basherkella, depicts a bulldozer in front of Sheikh Mujib's portrait in Dhanmondi-32.
"Bulldozer procession towards Dhanmondi," it reads.
"This programme will be held tonight at 9pm, initiated by the revolutionary students of 24, in protest of Hasina's anti-Bangladesh activities from Delhi, who committed genocide against thousands of student-public and fled there," it also reads.
Similar posters have been shared by netizens and various Facebook pages.
Following the announcement, leaders of student platforms, including from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens' Committee, announced a long-march programme towards the Dhanmondi-32 area.
The posts related to the procession were shared by different groups. It was met with mixed reactions from netizens.
Ali Ahsan Zonaed, a joint convener of the National Citizens' Committee, wrote in a post, "Today marks the completion of 6 months of the 'July Uprising'. On this historic day, the butcher of Bengal, Hasina, has decided to come out in public. What a day she has chosen! Now is the time for us to wake up again. Let's eliminate all fascist elements on this historic day."
The organisation's joint member secretary, Mahmuda Mitu, said in a Facebook post, "If 32 is not over today, I will buy bangles for all the people. Either 36 or 32."
Another joint member secretary, Rafe Salman Rifat, wrote, "Change the name of Dhanmondi-32. Fascist Square or Fallen Fascist Square. Or something like that. People should remember the fascist with hatred for the rest of their lives."
In a Facebook post, Nusrat Tabassum, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, said, "Along with [Dhanmondi] 32, they should also keep the mausoleum in mind! One in 6 months, another in a year. Bulldozers are just around the corner."
