DHAKA: Bangladesh protesters ransacked the residence of the chief justice in Dhaka, set fire to the Awami League party office, and burned down the Mujibur Rahman Museum as widespread protests over a controversial quota system have spiraled into violence and chaos.
The protest reached a peak when enraged protesters stormed the residence of Chief Justice in Dhaka. Local media reported that several people breached the property’s walls, resulting in extensive vandalism and destruction inside the house. The chief justice’s residence was one of several targets in a series of attacks across the capital.
Furthermore, protesters set fire to the central office of the Awami League party on Bangabandhu Avenue. This act of arson extended to other party offices, including the one in Darul Fazal Market in Chittagong, which was also burned down.
The violence did not spare the Mujibur Rahman Museum, a prominent landmark dedicated to Bangladesh’s founding father. Rioters broke into the museum, setting it alight and damaging various exhibits. The crowd also targeted a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka.
The chaos escalated further when protesters attacked the residence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Eyewitnesses reported that the gates of his residence were broken down, and smoke was seen rising from the property.
The unrest prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country, seeking refuge in India following her resignation. The military has since taken control of the government.
The scale of the unrest has been devastating, with over 300 reported fatalities linked to the ongoing civil disobedience movement. Reports indicate that the violence has extended beyond Dhaka. In Sylhet, protesters set fire to various government buildings, including the offices of the deputy commissioner and the police superintendent. The residence of Councilor Rezaul Haque was also targeted in these widespread attacks.
