In Dhaka, violent clashes erupted on Thursday between student protesters and supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest centered around the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, the former residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an iconic figure in Bangladesh’s history who was assassinated in a 1975 military coup.
The protests began in the early hours of August 15, the anniversary of Rahman’s death. Hundreds of protesters, armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods, and pipes, prevented Hasina’s supporters from reaching the museum, which had been set on fire earlier this month during anti-government demonstrations. The protesters also blocked access to the site with barbed-wire fences.
The unrest follows the recent ousting of Hasina, who was forced into exile in India after widespread protests against her administration. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has canceled the public holiday and national mourning day that were previously observed on August 15 under Hasina's rule.
On Thursday, the protestors aggressively confronted Hasina’s supporters who attempted to commemorate Rahman. Many supporters were physically manhandled, and their phones and identification were checked. Journalists covering the events reported being threatened and having their footage deleted.
A separate group of protesters, chanting “Naraye Takbeer, Allahu Akbar” (“Allah is great”), marched through the area, where the museum remained inaccessible. Earlier in the week, protesters had attacked a well-known actor who, along with Hasina’s supporters, had come to light candles in honor of Rahman.
Sarjis Alam, an organizer of the student protests, stated that the demonstrations would continue until Hasina is put on trial for the alleged violence during her administration. He promised to investigate the reports of harassment against journalists but provided no further details.
The chaotic scene persisted throughout the day in Dhaka, with no police presence reported. Video journalist Sam Jahan criticized the attack on press freedom in a Facebook post, emphasizing the need for a free press in such turbulent times. The Daily Star newspaper also reported that its journalists faced difficulties at the scene, including being forced to delete their photos and videos.
Mujib Mashal, the South Asia bureau chief for the New York Times, described the situation as "complete mob rule," highlighting the intense violence directed at anyone suspected of being associated with Hasina’s Awami League party.
The protests have intensified since Hasina’s removal, following weeks of unrest over a controversial quota system for government jobs. The uprising led to her resignation and subsequent flight to India, ending her 15-year tenure as prime minister. The interim government, formed by Yunus and a mix of civil society representatives and military officials, is navigating the country's ongoing political crisis.
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