Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and abrupt departure from Bangladesh on August 5, a wave of protests led demonstrators to storm her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka. The unrest, which had been escalating for weeks over Hasina’s 15-year rule and controversial job quota policies, saw protesters targeting her home and other properties linked to her family and political party.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
My cousin sent me this video from Bangladesh. Someone stole Hasina’s elliptical, I am SCREAMING!!! 😭 pic.twitter.com/OM4FWNYzYW
— Zara Rahim (@ZaraRahim) August 5, 2024
Videos circulating online depict the chaos inside Ganabhaban, showing people looting a wide range of items, including carpets, furniture, utensils, and personal belongings of Hasina. Among the footage, one video has gained significant attention: it shows a woman using Hasina’s elliptical machine while protestors cheer her on. This video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on August 5, has amassed over 1.7 million views.
HERE ARE SOME REATCIONS:
My cousin sent me this video from Bangladesh. Someone stole Hasina’s elliptical, I am SCREAMING!!! 😭 pic.twitter.com/OM4FWNYzYW
— Zara Rahim (@ZaraRahim) August 5, 2024
My cousin sent me this video from Bangladesh. Someone stole Hasina’s elliptical, I am SCREAMING!!! 😭 pic.twitter.com/OM4FWNYzYW
— Zara Rahim (@ZaraRahim) August 5, 2024
The viral video has sparked a mix of reactions on social media. The caption, “My cousin sent me this video from Bangladesh. Someone stole Hasina’s elliptical; I am SCREAMING!!!” has drawn criticism from users who view the act as an emblem of the broader violence and theft occurring. Comments range from accusations of promoting theft and vandalism to labeling the situation as “cringe.”
In addition to the elliptical machine, protesters were seen leaving Ganabhaban with a variety of items, including clothing, electronics, and a Dior suitcase. Reports and videos also show demonstrators lounging in beds, consuming food, and even setting parts of the building on fire. Scenes of celebrations in the streets reflect the dramatic fall of Hasina’s administration.
Hasina, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana, fled Bangladesh via a military helicopter and arrived at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad on the evening of August 5. Following her departure, the Bangladeshi military has assumed full control of the nation, with the capital under heightened security as the country navigates through this unprecedented period of turmoil.
