Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's house damaged again; set Sheikh Hasina's poster on fire

Protests over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi continued to spiral on Thursday night as violent unrest swept across Bangladesh, even some torched home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Offices of English-language dailies The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were attacked, and protestors vented their ire at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, attempting to tear down the remaining structure and setting fire to a poster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.


As unrest erupted nationwide following Osman Hadi’s death, Inqilab Moncho urged the public to avoid violence, vandalism and arson.

In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the organisation said: "Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same."

The post continued: "As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence."

Meanwhile, after vandalism at The Daily Star office, a journalist trapped on the rooftop recounted the harrowing ordeal. They said they were alerted by a phone call from outside as a section of the rampaging crowd, having attacked the Prothom Alo office, moved towards The Daily Star building, reported bdnews24.

By the time newsroom staff attempted to evacuate, the mob had reached the ground floor, launched further vandalism and set the building on fire. Amid thick smoke, a group of journalists abandoned attempts to get downstairs and fled to the rooftop on the 10th floor.

Fire Service crews later arrived and extinguished the blaze on the lower floors. Four firefighters climbed to the rooftop to evacuate those trapped.

Following the attacks, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star will not be published on Friday.