The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reported finding "some bones" at the demolished residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhanmondi 32.
On Monday (February 10) at around 8 am, CID's Crime Scene Unit arrived at the site in the presence of Dhanmondi police to collect evidence.
Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ali Ahmed Masud confirmed that bones were discovered at the location, but it remains unclear whether they are human remains or those of an animal.
After completing evidence collection, the CID team departed at around 10:15 am.
Background of the Incident
The demolition of House No 32 began on Wednesday, marking six months since Sheikh Hasina's removal from power and exile. The "Bulldozer Rally" movement initiated the destruction, followed by looting throughout Thursday. By the evening, cattle were slaughtered, and a feast was held at the site.
Since then, individuals have been seen extracting and cutting iron rods from the rubble using hammers. Some searched for rods in standing structures, while others dug up electrical wires from open spaces.
Social Media Calls for Demolition
On February 5, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) announced on Facebook that Sheikh Hasina's speech would be broadcast at 9 PM. The announcement, made from India, triggered heightened social media activity. Many students and online activists participating in the anti-discrimination student movement called for a "Bulldozer Rally" and a "March to Dhanmondi 32."
In the afternoon, Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of the Inquilab Mancha and member of the National Citizens' Committee, posted multiple warnings on Facebook about demolishing House No. 32. Online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya, who is based abroad, also urged the demolition, posting from his verified Facebook account: "There will be no 32; there will be none. Long live Inquilab."
At around 7 pm, anti-discrimination student movement leader Hasnat Abdullah wrote on Facebook, "Tonight, Bangladesh will be freed from the pilgrimage site of fascism." Shortly after, protesters began gathering at Sheikh Mujib's residence. By 8 pm, they stormed the house, and as the night progressed, the crowd grew larger.
Extensive vandalism took place inside before parts of the house were set on fire. The mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the entrance was destroyed. At 10:50 pm, a bulldozer was brought to the site to complete the demolition.
Before the destruction, agitated students declared, "Dictator Sheikh Hasina is addressing the nation today under Chhatra League's banner. We will erase all traces of Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina from this country."
Search for the "Aynaghor"
Following the demolition, protesters turned their attention to a nearby under-construction building. Reports emerged of multiple underground basements being found. Some speculated that draining the basement at House No 32 would uncover the rumoured "Aynaghor."
On Sunday morning, the Fire Service began pumping water from the basement, a process that was live-streamed. However, after finding nothing, they left at around 1:15 pm.
CID Investigation
On Monday, CID's Crime Scene Unit arrived to collect evidence. However, they did not specify the exact location where the bones were found. The investigation remains ongoing.
