Agencies DHAKA

Dhaka University (DU) students gathered in the early hours of Saturday after workers, aided by a crane, attempted to paint over an image of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The picture, defaced during the July uprising that followed the fall of the government, had become a symbol of public outrage. It is located on a metro rail pillar behind the Raju Memorial Sculpture, which protesters view as a representation of the public disdain for Sheikh Hasina's administration.

Students present on the spot said that at about 3:00am the workers began coating the stained mural. While the painting of Sheikh Hasina's image was partially covered, a nearby pillar with a painting of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had already been repainted.

Upon seeing the activity, students approached the workers, who claimed they were employed by the metro rail authority and had received permission from the DU administration to proceed. As news of the repainting spread across social media, many rushed to the scene.