Amid the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house at Dhanmondi 32 on Thursday, an agitated crowd of students and the general public attacked two individuals—one woman and one man—suspected of being affiliated with the Awami League.
The incident occurred around 11:30am, when the two were beaten and driven out of the premises.
Witnesses reported that the woman was attacked for chanting “Joy Bangla,” while the man was assaulted for referring to the house as “Apa’s house” during a conversation. Notably, some refer to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina as Apa (sister).
They were eventually dragged from Dhanmondi 32 to the main road, where a photojournalist and a few others managed to put them on a rickshaw.
During the assault, the woman was heard screaming, “Do not hit me, brother, please do not hit me.” No law enforcement officers were present at the scene. It was learned that the woman resides in Farmgate, but her name and identity remain unknown.
Earlier, members of the now-banned Chhatra League, along with the ousted Sheikh Hasina, announced her participation in a virtual session.
In response, the July Revolutionary Alliance declared a "Long March to Dhanmondi 32” program. Additionally, various Facebook pages called for participation in the demonstration.
From Wednesday evening, agitated students began gathering in front of Sheikh Mujib’s residence at Dhanmondi 32.
Around 8pm, they entered the house, and as the night progressed, the crowd grew larger. Demonstrators carried out extensive vandalism inside the house before setting it on fire.
They also completely demolished the mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the entrance. Later that night, a bulldozer was brought in front of the house.