Sheikh Hasina Decries Assault on Father's Historic Home as Attack on National Legacy

Post by : Raina Nasser

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh currently in New Delhi, has vehemently denounced the vandalism and arson of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence. She characterized it as a “barbaric attempt to obliterate the legacy of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.” The house at Dhanmondi 32, a pivotal symbol of the nation’s fight for independence, was set ablaze during violent protests on February 5.

In a poignant interview, Hasina articulated that the attack was not just on a structure but an assault on the very essence of Bangladesh’s identity. She contended that those in power are seeking to rewrite history by targeting sites integral to the nation’s quest for freedom. “This destruction of my father’s residence is a disgrace designed to erase the legacy of our shared struggle for independence. It is a profound insult to the countless heroes who sacrificed their lives for our future,” she stated.

Despite the harrowing events, Hasina expressed unwavering faith in the resilience of the Bangladeshi people. She asserted that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy—affectionately known as Bangabandhu—will endure because it transcends mere physical existence. “This legacy is firmly rooted not in places or structures, but in the ideals they represent: democracy, equality, secularism, and economic liberation. These values are indelibly etched in the spirit of Bangladesh,” she remarked.

The Dhanmondi 32 vandalism was instigated by a large protest group, allegedly mobilized through social media calls for a “bulldozer procession.” This incident occurred amidst escalating political tensions, right after Hasina had addressed her supporters, criticizing the current administration that succeeded her government.

In a deeply felt message to her supporters, Hasina voiced her concerns over the motivations behind the repeated assaults on her childhood home. “Why do they fear a house? They set it ablaze before, and now they aim to demolish it. While structures can be destroyed, our history cannot be erased,” she expressed, displaying visible emotion.

The house carries profound personal significance for Hasina. In 1975, her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and most of her family were assassinated there during a military coup. She and her sister Sheikh Rehana were fortunate to survive, having been abroad at the time. Upon her return to Bangladesh in 1981, Hasina turned the once-familiar residence into the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, ensuring that future generations would grasp the rich history of the independence movement.

With its symbolic weight, Dhanmondi 32 has frequently been a target amid political turmoil. It was previously set ablaze on August 5, the date marking the abrupt conclusion of Hasina’s almost 16-year rule as she left the country with her sister.

Hasina views the latest incident as part of a larger strategy to dampen the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. Nevertheless, she remains resolute that the people of Bangladesh will safeguard the foundational values that define the nation.

“An attempt to raze a house cannot erase our history,” she affirmed. “The legacy of Bangladesh lives within its people, and no act of violence can invalidate that.”