International Media Reacts to Demolition of Dhanmondi 32

The destruction of House No 32 in Dhanmondi has captured widespread attention from international media. Leading global outlets, including BBC, Reuters, The Guardian, TRT World, Arab News, ABC News, Anadolu Agency, CNN, and AP, have reported extensively on the incident.

Fugitive former ruler Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid the July uprising, recently delivered a speech that provoked outrage among students and young people across Bangladesh. Viewing House No 32 as a symbol of authoritarianism, they initiated its demolition.

Although the demonstration was scheduled for 8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 5, protesters began gathering earlier in the evening. Chanting slogans, they stormed the premises just before the designated time. They proceeded to demolish the structure, set it on fire, and later used bulldozers to level it. Not only this house but homes and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members were also destroyed in various parts of Bangladesh. International media have covered this extensively.

International Media Coverage

CNN (USA)
Headline: "Bangladesh Protesters Storm and Destroy a House Linked to Exiled Former Prime Minister Hasina." CNN reported. The attack was triggered by Hasina's speech from exile in India, which fueled the anger of student-led protesters. After ruling for 15 years, Hasina fled the country amid accusations of suppressing dissent.

The Guardian (UK)
Headline: "Bangladeshi Protesters Destroy Ex-PM's Family Home Symbolising Independence." The Guardian highlighted that House No 32 was historically significant, as Sheikh Hasina's father had declared Bangladesh's independence from there. However, over time, it became associated with authoritarian rule, making it a target for protesters.

BBC (UK)
Headline: " Bangladesh Protesters Torch ousted PM Sheikh Hasina's Father's Home." The BBC reported that not only Hasina's house but also the residences of her family members and political allies were set ablaze during the unrest.

Reuters (UK)
Headline: "Protesters in Bangladesh Demolish Former PM Sheikh Hasina's Father's House."Reuters noted that Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister, had delivered a fiery speech on social media, calling on her supporters to resist the interim government, which ultimately led to the attack.

TRT World (Turkey)
Headline: "Former PM Sheikh Hasina's Speech from India Sparks Protests in Bangladesh."TRT World focused on how Hasina's speech from exile sparked mass protests and the eventual demolition of the historic house.

AP (USA)
Headline: "Protesters Storm and Destroy a Family Home of Bangladesh's Ousted Prime Minister Hasina." The Associated Press reported that Hasina's speech from exile in India ignited the attack, emphasizing her controversial departure from Bangladesh following a student-led rebellion.

Anadolu Agency (Turkey)
Headline: "Former PM Sheikh Hasina's Live Speech from India Triggers Protests in Bangladesh."Anadolu Agency quoted leaders of the anti-establishment student movement, who claimed that mainstream political parties had failed to understand the people's aspirations.

ABC News (USA)
Headline: "Bangladesh Protesters Wreak Havoc on a House Associated with Exiled Former PM Sheikh Hasina."ABC News highlighted that thousands of protesters expressed their anger by demolishing a house linked to Hasina, arguing that it had once symbolized the country's independence but later became associated with authoritarian rule.

Arab News (Saudi Arabia)
Headline: "Bangladesh Protesters Rampage Through House Associated with Exiled Former PM Sheikh Hasina."Arab News detailed how the protesters’ frustration culminated in the destruction of the historic residence.

Additionally, Indian, Pakistani, and other international media outlets have extensively covered the incident, reflecting the global significance of the political upheaval in Bangladesh.