Student protesters and political activists in Bangladesh clashed on Thursday as they prevented supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from reaching the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka. The museum, once the residence of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was targeted by protesters who set it on fire following Hasina's removal from office.
Rahman, affectionately known as Bangabandhu, was assassinated in a military coup on August 15, 1975, along with most of his family members. The anniversary of his death was marked by tensions as clashes erupted between opposing groups.
Hasina, who is currently in self-exile in India, had urged her supporters to pay respects to Rahman on this day. However, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus canceled the national mourning day previously observed on August 15.
The protesters, armed with bamboo sticks and iron rods, physically confronted Hasina's supporters attempting to gather at the museum. They also harassed journalists and prevented them from documenting the events unfolding at the site.
Despite calls for peaceful commemoration, the situation escalated as protesters chanted slogans and engaged in confrontations with those attempting to access the museum. The chaos continued throughout the day with no police intervention in sight.
The student protesters, led by key organizer Sarjis Alam, vowed to persist in their demands for the trial of Hasina and her associates. The unrest in Bangladesh stems from weeks-long violence and political turmoil that culminated in Hasina's removal from power.
The interim government, established after Hasina's departure, includes a diverse group of Cabinet members selected through negotiations with student leaders, civil society representatives, and the military.
The clashes in Dhaka highlight the deep political divisions and grievances within Bangladeshi society, underscoring the challenges faced by the country in its path towards stability and reconciliation.
