Onlookers gather after protesters stormed Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, independent Bangladesh’s first President and father of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka —AFP

DHAKA

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to quell escalating violence and arson following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid concerns by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) headed by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and neighboring India over attacks on a historic house linked to ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Since Wednesday, mobs have targeted properties linked to Hasina's Awami League party, including the historic house where Bangladesh's independence was declared by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Hasina fled to India on August 5th amidst widespread protests.  

The government's statement, issued after an over 24-hour  delay following the Rahman house attack, warned of stern  action against those involved in vandalism and arson, emphasizing its commitment to protecting lives and property. The attack on the Rahman house followed a social media campaign by Hasina's critics.

Student leaders subsequently  declared a “bulldozer procession” toward Rahman’s house, which was turned into a museum by Hasina. As the protesters stormed the building, police stood by. A team of military soldiers later attempted to stop them but then left. Reports indicate widespread violence across the country.

Intelligence sources suggest approximately 70 attacks since Wednesday, while the country’s leading English-language Daily Star reported Friday that acts of violence targeting Hasina’s supporters took place in at least 20 districts. Channel 24 TV station in Dhaka reported violence in at least 35 districts across the country.

The station said the village home of a veteran politician from Hasina’s party and former Bangladesh President, Abdul Hamid, was one of the targets. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, urged the interim government to restore order, warning of potential anarchy. India, which supported Bangladesh's independence, condemned the attack on the Rahman house, deeming it a symbol of “heroic resistance”.