Dhaka, 18 November (Udaipur Kiran). Bangladesh witnessed widespread unrest on Monday after the International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student uprising. Violent clashes broke out in several parts of Dhaka, prompting the deployment of the army to restore order.
According to a late-night report in the Dhaka Tribune, protesters attempted to vandalise the historic residence of Sheikh Hasina’s late father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at Dhanmondi 32. When police tried to stop them, the situation turned violent.
Following the announcement of the verdict, dozens of students from Dhaka College arrived with two bulldozers and announced through loudspeakers that they would demolish the remaining portions of Bangabandhu’s house. The army was immediately deployed, and security forces sealed all surrounding roads.
Police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd that was trying to breach the barricades. A local police officer said nobody was allowed near Bangabandhu’s residence. The house had been partially burned by a mob after Hasina was removed from power last year. By Monday evening, around 300 protesters had gathered again, burning tyres, forcing security personnel into a prolonged effort to push them back.
Celebrations and violence were reported simultaneously across the country after the verdict was announced at the Supreme Court complex. Several areas of Dhaka and other cities witnessed sporadic arson and bomb blasts. Dozens of vehicles were set on fire during the unrest. In the days leading up to the verdict, nearly 50 buses were torched and multiple bomb explosions were reported.
At Dhaka University, students watched the live broadcast of the judgment on a large screen and celebrated by distributing sweets.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
