A series of alarming incidents occurred in Bangladesh during the early days of February 2025, as several statues and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding leader, were vandalized across multiple districts.
These attacks, which have ignited national outrage, are being attributed to the actions of the Interim Government, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who are accused of inciting the violence in an effort to disrupt the country’s political landscape.
The unrest began on February 5th, with the shocking attack on the Dhaka residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located at 32 Dhanmondi. Protesters, allegedly aligned with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, violently broke into the premises, causing widespread damage. The assailants vandalized the property and set parts of the residence on fire. Sources suggest that these groups were acting under the encouragement of Dr. Mohammad Yunus, a controversial figure, who has been accused of fueling anti-government sentiments for political gain.
Reports indicate that the Interim Government, headed by unelected officials, played a crucial role in allowing this violence to occur by issuing orders to security forces to remain inactive. This apparent complicity by the government has raised serious questions about its intentions and its lack of intervention during these acts of destruction.
On the same day, the unrest spread to several districts, where statues and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were targeted. In Brahmanbaria, the statue near the administrative building of a government college was destroyed. Similar acts of vandalism occurred in Mymensingh, Rangpur, Chattogram, and Sylhet, with the statues in public spaces being attacked by protesters allegedly incited by anti-government factions.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, led by student leaders opposed to the government’s policies, is believed to have coordinated the attacks, citing grievances over the country’s political system and social inequalities. Protesters were seen wielding heavy tools and destructive objects to tear down these monuments, as part of a larger strategy to challenge the government and reshape national symbols.
The violence escalated further on February 6th, with reports of statue vandalism continuing in Barishal and other regions. Sources suggest that these actions were organized under the direction of the Interim Government’s supporters, with the goal of destabilizing the country’s political structure.
Meanwhile, authorities were accused of deliberately allowing the destruction to happen, following orders from the Interim Government to reduce police and security forces’ intervention. Security forces, in most cases, were seen standing idle as the vandalism unfolded before their eyes, adding to the suspicion that the government had tacitly approved of the actions.
On February 7th, further violence unfolded across the country, particularly in Gazipur and Kushtia, where protesters continued their assault on statues and public spaces. Some reports even indicated that protesters targeted homes of prominent political figures, while continuing to invoke the image of Dr. Mohammad Yunus as a symbol of resistance.
In the wake of these attacks, many across Bangladesh are voicing their concern about the growing influence of anti-government groups, particularly the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which is accused of inciting violence under the pretext of fighting for equality. These groups have been accused of using violence to advance a political agenda aimed at toppling the government, with the Interim Government allegedly offering support and protection.
The attacks on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statues and murals, along with the destruction of his residence, have sparked a nationwide outcry, as citizens demand answers from the Interim Government. Critics are accusing the government, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, and the student-led Anti-Discrimination Movement of orchestrating these attacks to destabilize the country and erase symbols of national unity.
Calls for accountability are growing louder, as people demand the arrest of those responsible for the vandalism and the restoration of law and order. The government’s inaction and the apparent protection given to these violent factions are fueling further unrest and mistrust within the country.
As the situation develops, questions remain about the role of the Interim Government and its alleged complicity in allowing these violent actions to unfold without intervention. With security forces seemingly bound by orders from above, the country finds itself in a moment of crisis, with its history and national identity under attack.