Bangladesh Sees Widespread Unrest After Sheikh Hasina's Exile Speech

Protesters target historic sites and properties linked to the Awami League, prompting government calls for calm and law enforcement action.

Protests erupted across Bangladesh following a fiery online speech by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading to widespread vandalism and arson targeting Awami League properties.
The historic Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's independence leader and Hasina's father, was set ablaze and demolished by protesters, who described it as a symbol of authoritarianism.
Homes of Awami League leaders, party offices, and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were attacked in at least 19 cities, with protesters claiming to reject the party's legacy of alleged corruption and repression.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the violence but attributed it to public outrage over Hasina's speech and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring law and order.
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina and her allies, accusing them of crimes against humanity during her tenure.