Protests and confrontations persisted on Mirpur Road near Dhanmondi 32 as various security forces employed batons, sound grenades, and tear gas to scatter demonstrators trying to destroy the remaining structure of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence. Traffic in the vicinity has been halted since midday, with most shops closed.
Despite efforts to disperse them, protesters regrouped multiple times. By 6:00pm, clashes erupted at Bank Asia and Russel Square intersection, where individuals threw bricks at law enforcement. The army conducted baton charges, yet the demonstrators swiftly returned, chanting phrases like “Arrest the party members and put [them] in prison.”
Earlier in the day, a crowd of several hundred protesters assembled near Dhanmondi 32, voicing opposition against the deposed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, in anticipation of the International Crimes Tribunal’s ruling. Around 12:30pm, a group attempted to breach police blockades but was thwarted.
“Numerous sound grenades were utilized to disperse the protesters,” disclosed Masud Alam, Ramna Division Police’s deputy commissioner.
Multiple demonstrators and police officers sustained injuries during the clashes involving baton charges and brick throwing. Tear gas was also deployed close to Square Hospital on Panthapath.
Protesters arrived with two excavators, apparently intending to dismantle the residence, which had been partly demolished during a prior demonstration in February. At that time, a social media-organized event named “Bulldozer March” attracted significant crowds, resulting in parts of the structure being set ablaze.
Md Saeed, a protester hailing from Jatrabari, conveyed to The Daily Star, “Today, the tribunal will announce its decision regarding Hasina. We desire for her to face the severest penalty. We have come here to eliminate what we view as the remnants of the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina.”
Additional police reinforcements were deployed throughout the day, later reinforced by army personnel, to maintain order in the area.