NEW DELHI: India on Thursday strongly condemned the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence in Dhaka, describing the building as a significant symbol in Bangladesh’s national consciousness and a testament to the country’s freedom struggle.
The residence, located in central Dhaka, was where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, was assassinated along with seven members of his family in August 1975. On Wednesday, a massive mob, armed with a crane and bulldozer, brought down the iconic structure. The interim government in Dhaka attributed the incident to public anger over a “provocative speech” delivered by Rahman’s daughter and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in self-exile in India.
Reacting to the demolition, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the act as vandalism and stated, “This act of destruction must be strongly denounced.”
He further remarked, “For those who value the freedom struggle that shaped the identity and pride of Bangladesh, this residence holds immense historical and emotional significance.”
Jaiswal expressed regret over the destruction, calling the residence a powerful symbol of the resistance displayed by the people of Bangladesh against oppression and occupation during their fight for independence.
India’s condemnation came late on Thursday night, following a strong protest lodged by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry. The ministry criticized Sheikh Hasina for allegedly making “false and provocative” statements while residing in India and handed a formal protest note to India’s acting envoy. The note urged New Delhi to prevent Hasina from issuing what it termed “inflammatory remarks.”
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely regarded as the architect of Bangladesh’s independence, received substantial support from Indian leadership when he declared independence for East Pakistan in early 1971. India provided arms and assistance to Bangladeshi freedom fighters, culminating in a decisive war with Pakistan in December 1971. The defeat of the Pakistan Army led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation, with Rahman serving as both its prime minister and president.
The demolition of Rahman’s historic residence comes amid strained India-Bangladesh relations, which have hit a historic low over disagreements on multiple issues. India has been critical of Bangladesh’s interim government’s handling of attacks on religious minorities, further complicating the bilateral relationship.
