In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of protesters in Bangladesh looted and vandalized official residence of PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on Monday, shortly after she resigned and flew to India. This outbreak of violence followed weeks of demonstrations against a quota system for government jobs and discontent with Hasina’s 15-year rule.
The protesters stormed Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister, as well as other buildings associated with her party and family. Viral photos and videos showed the unruly mob parading through the streets with personal belongings taken from the residence, including bras, a blouse, and various other items. One man was seen wearing a saree and carrying a plastic bucket filled with clothes, while another held up a purple blouse.
Where is humanity
This is totally disgusting
Murder of democracy
Radicals looted bra, fish, saree, blouse, evn dustbins from Sheikh Hasina’s residence.
One ri0ter even wore a saree.
They have looted utensils from her kitchen. pic.twitter.com/r2yFeTSqd9— Thakur Abhi (@ThakurAbhi3880) August 5, 2024
The looting and display of personal belongings sparked condemnation on social media, with many users expressing disgust at the actions of the protesters. Throughout the day, people continued to enter and exit Ganabhaban, setting fires, removing furniture, and even taking raw fish from refrigerators. Eyewitnesses reported seeing individuals leaving with cattle, television sets, blankets, gym equipment, and a blue Dior suitcase.
Bangladeshi journalist Yeasir Arafat described the scene to AFP, saying, “I am inside the Ganabhaban Palace. There are more than 1,500 people inside the palace. They are breaking furniture and glasses.”
Sheikh Hasina, 76, arrived at Hindon Air Base near Delhi on Monday evening, hours after resigning as Prime Minister. She and her sister departed Ganabhaban in a military helicopter as protests escalated. Following her resignation, the military assumed control of Bangladesh.
Hasina had been in power since 2009 but faced accusations of rigging elections in January. Over the past month, millions of people took to the streets demanding her resignation, culminating in the violent protests and looting of her residence on Monday.
