New Delhi: Instability has been brewing in Bangladesh for quite some time, but the last straw was finally sealed when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death on Monday. This caused jubilation and sadness in Bangladesh. The court pronounced the verdict, finding Sheikh Hasina guilty of abusing her power and inciting violence.
Violence erupted in several locations across the country overnight, with reports of casualties so far, and dozens more injured. In several areas, police personnel lathi-charged protesters to disperse them. In some areas, protesters were seen sharing sweets and embracing each other after Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death.
Attempt to Burn Down the House of Bangladesh’s Founder
Bangladesh was once again engulfed in violence on Monday night. Bomb blasts occurred at several locations, along with attempts to burn down the home of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the capital. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Masud Alam was quoted as saying that acoustic grenades were also used to disperse the protesters. Reports also indicate that several protesters and security personnel were injured during the lathi-charge and stone-throwing clashes. Many are reported to be in critical condition.
Protesters in Bangladesh again became unruly.
All eyes were on the Bangladesh court. Everyone was shocked when the death sentence was handed down, finding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of violence. Protesters in Bangladesh erupted in joy. A large group of protesters tried to drive two bulldozers towards Dhanmondi 32, the site where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house is located. According to reports, security personnel stopped them and used batons to disperse the protesters. The situation in Dhanmondi remains tense. Some protesters regrouped near Square Hospital in Panthapath, where police fired several rounds of tear gas.
Traffic was halted on Mirpur Road and the surrounding areas in Dhaka, and most shops in the neighbourhood remained closed. At around 2:45 p.m., law enforcement officers retreated under heavy pressure from protesters.